Checa secures 2011 world Superbike title

Tuesday, 4 October 2011 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MAGNY-COURS, France, AAP - Carlos Checa became the first Spaniard to win the world Superbike title on Sunday with a commanding performance at the Magny-Cours race in France.

Checa, who had virtually stitched up the title before the race, delivered on his promise not to race conservatively - romping to his fifth clean sweep of the season and Ducati’s 14th solo victory.

“Today has been a perfect day, the best day of my career and probably the best day of my life,” said Checa, who now holds an unassailable 107-point lead over Italian Marco Melandri.

“I am experiencing so many emotions and must admit that it was very difficult to keep my concentration in the final stages of race one.

“Then, in race two, I tried to race as fast as I could, doing what I like to do best, and was able to win once more. Now we can relax and relish in this unforgettable moment.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s two-time world champion Troy Corser has been replaced at BMW.

BMW signed Melandri as their second factory rider for 2012.

Corser, 39, has been with BMW since the start of its world Superbike campaign and is yet to confirm his future plans.BMW’s Motorsport director Bernhard Gobmeier said a “joint decision was made with Troy that it is time to take the next step”.