The 35-year-old will quit
MotoGP to start a new career in World Superbike, with Ten Kate Honda, next year. With two rounds to go, the Spaniard sits just 14th in the MotoGP standings, with a best finish of sixth, after a demoralising season at Honda LCR.
"I think that this year's bike is perhaps the most difficult that I have been on, with all due respect to Honda," said the double 500cc race winner. "They worked hard but we haven't been able to get the results.
"Now I am moving on in my career; to a new team, a new championship and new bike. I have the chance to do much better than I have here for the past two years. It is a great opportunity for me.
"I really enjoyed riding the [Fireblade] at the Suzuka 8 Hour race and after that I started thinking strongly about moving to Superbike," added Checa. "I think it's the correct move. It will be a new challenge, a new refreshment, and I hope I'll enjoy it a lot more."
During his twelve years in the premier class, Checa has ridden 500cc two-stroke motorcycles for Honda and Yamaha, plus four-stroke MotoGP machines for Yamaha, Ducati and Honda.
