Althea Ducati's Carlos Checa is remaining cagey about his chances of successfully defending the World Superbike crown, saying the competition in 2012 will be equally as tough as it was in 2011.

Speaking at the team launch in Italy today, the Spaniard pointed out he will be racing pretty much the same bike as last season when other manufacturers have brought in new models but he is determined to make the second title happen.

“I prefer not to say too much, it’s impossible to make predictions when it comes to racing! We do know that this coming season will be tough, there will be stiff competition and we will fight with more or less the same bike as in previous seasons. Having said that, I am confident and can’t wait to get back on track with my team – it goes without saying that we will do our utmost to defend the title," he said.