After a frustrating 2007 season, Carlos Checa finally called time on his twelve year premier-class grand prix career to start a new challenge in the World Superbike championship.
The man from Sant Fruitos in Catalonia began his career in the 125cc class in 1993 and soon progressed to 250s, scoring two fourth places in 1995. But it was clear his future lay in the big class and he arrived on the scene full time in 1996 with the Fortuna Honda Pons outfit.
Checa won his first race at 'home' in Barcelona beating Mick Doohan with Alex Criville in third and it seemed Spain now had a man who could perhaps secure the ultimate prize in motorcycle racing for this motorcycle-crazy nation. But Carlos could only finish eighth overall in 1997 posting three second-place finishes.
He won his second and last 500cc race in Madrid in 1998, but again only managed fourth overall in the World Championship standings. This prompted a switch to Yamaha machinery for 1999, where he was winless for seven seasons, but - helped by his Marlboro popularity - still secured a switch to the factory Ducati outfit for 2005.
Checa lasted just one year at Ducati, but that didn't reflect his performances - with his two podiums generally considered above expectations. For comparison, his replacement - countryman and former MotoGP World Championship runner-up Sete Gibernau - failed to take a single podium during 2006, when Checa rode for the Dunlop Tech 3 Yamaha team.
Although unable to challenge for podiums, Checa impressed the paddock with his determined performances on the Dunlop-shod M1, prompting the offer of a satellite Honda, run by LCR, for 2007.
It should have been an excellent opportunity, but Honda's first attempt at building an 800cc motorcycle was a disappointment and - while HRC threw its resources behind the factory team to try and catch up - the satellite teams were left to make the most of a bad situation.
Checa took a best result of sixth on his way to 14th in the standings and, having enjoyed an outing on a Superbike at the Suzuka 8 Hours, decided to re-launch his career in WSBK for 2008 - riding for reigning champion's Ten Kate Honda.
Checa, at least prior to 2005, had a reputation as something of a crasher. Few riders have tumbled more, but none had Carlos' ability to bounce back - the exception being Donington Park 1998, when Carlos had his spleen removed following a huge fall.
Career Highlights:
1995 : 16th 500cc World Championship Honda
1995 : 13th 250cc World Championship Honda
1996 : 8th 500cc World Championship Honda1 race win.
1997 : 8th 500cc World Championship Honda
1998 : 4th 500cc World Championship Honda 1 race win.
1999 : 7th 500cc World Championship Yamaha
2000 : 6th 500cc World Championship Yamaha
2001 : 6th 500cc World Championship Yamaha
2002 : 5th MotoGP World Championship Yamaha
2003 : 7th MotoGP World Championship Yamaha
2004 : 7th MotoGP World Championship Yamaha
2005 : 9th MotoGP World Championship Ducati
2006 : 15th MotoGP World Championship Yamaha
2007 : 14th MotoGP World Championship Honda
