Ducati have today confirmed they have signed a two-year deal with Francis Batta's Alstare team to run Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini in World Superbikes.

The factory sensationally split with Althea Racing two weeks ago after arguments over money and Batta was ready to step in to take over the team, which will be known as Alstare Ducati.

"For me, it's an absolute thrill to be able to join the Ducati family again. Together, we were so successful in the past and Ducati remains a reference brand for me today," said Batta.

" We are going to face a challenge which is highly stimulating both for me and for my team and we will apply our absolute best efforts to making sure this is a successful endeavour."