Carlos Checa says he can expect the sizeable British contingent to be the reckoned force ahead of this weekend's World Superbike round at
Donington Park, though his results at the circuit last season give him confidence that he will also be amongst the riders to beat.
Checa notched up a poignant victory at the Leicestershire circuit last season, 13 years after a serious accident whilst competing in
MotoGP almost cost him his life.
Looking ahead to this year's race, Checa is optimistic that he can replicate the form that saw him on the top step of the podium, even if he expects the likes of Tom Sykes, Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea to put on a good show for their UK fans and take the challenge to both himself and the Althea Ducati team.
“After the strange situation at Monza, we are hoping for a more 'normal' race weekend at Donington, and two full-length races! Last year went really well for me at the English track, after some less positive results in earlier years, and so I hope that this season's
Donington round will be my best yet.
“Competition will be tough, with several strong British riders fighting to win at home, but I too am ready for battle!”
Checa is currently second in the standings, two points behind leader Max Biaggi.