Even so, Checa was offered a ticket back to MotoGP in 2009 as part of the stillborn Aspar Kawasaki project. However, with two wins and seven podiums to his name, Checa insists he never seriously considered the contract and was only ever keen on re-signing for Ten Kate.

“I'm really quite satisfied with the results this year. We've had some good races and some not so good, but we have learned a lot. We've learned about a new bike, I've learned new tyres, new circuits, a new team, new race strategies - all in a new championship with new rivals.

“There has been a lot to learn so I should be happy with how it went. Of course, we started the season with the target of winning the championship, but we knew that would not be easy.”