Carlos Checa is ready to start the European segment of the World Superbike Championship as the Althea Racing Team heads to the UK for the upcoming round at Donington Park.

Round 2 comes a full month after the inaugural round held in Australia, at Phillip Island, at the end of February. Carlos had the best weekend of his Superbike career at that opening round, topping the timesheets in every session, before securing pole position and a fantastic double race win. Carlos could not have begun the season in a better way, scoring a full 50 points to put him at the top of the standings after the opening round.

Now attention turns to Donington which did not feature on the 2010 Superbike calendar, meaning that Carlos has not yet faced the challenge of this track on board the 1198. His recent performances on the Ducati inspire confidence and so, although the UK round will not be easy, the Althea Racing Team is determined to rise to expectations.

"I like the Donington track, I've not been lucky there in the past but that's been a consequence of the races, nothing to do with the track itself," declared Checa. "I want to forget the past and pretend the wins at Phillip Island never happened, in the sense that we'll start this weekend with the same programme and the same determination as ever, as if it were the first race of the season. It's a track where top speed doesn't count much and could therefore be good for us. Of course our rivals are numerous, because as well as the usual suspects, Biaggi and Haslam, there will also be other Brits who are historically fast when riding at home. We just have to hope that it's not too cold there but, all in all, I feel optimistic and am ready."