Ducati have sensationally split with the Althea squad that took them to a World Superbike title in 2011, with differences over funding seeming to be the cause.

Team boss Genesio Bevilacqua said Ducati, even with big-money owners Audi behind them, were not prepared to invest heavily in the Panigale project in 2013 so their partnership has come to an end.

"We are used to doing things better. Since the beginning of our history in Superbike we carried out a successful project and we wanted to continue on the same road. Without the conditions to do well are not interested in continuing," he said.

"The main reason for disagreement is obviously on the cheap side and has amazed us especially the fact that a company like Ducati, recently taken over by a giant like Audi, has no interest in investing in a new product, on a project that would lead to repeat the successes of the past with the consequent benefits that would result in terms of sales.

"Just as had happened in 2012, we were ready to invest all our resources and to confirm our sponsors in the new project Panigale and it was obvious that we expected the same commitment even by Ducati.

The factory will retain rider Carlos Checa as he is contracted to Ducati, not Althea, but there is no place for Davide Guigliano in the team, according to Ducati's Ernesto Marinelli, speaking to our friends at Moto.it.

"We will run with Carlos and the Panigale to win, the non-renewal with Althea can not hinder our goal in the coming days and notify programs Superbike final in a press release. In our history we have changed structures, shape and motion several times always getting good results and the common denominator has always been the Ducati.

"Checa is a rider under contract with Ducati. He and Panigale are our tenets, the pillars of our Superbike project. As for Davide, we are very sorry not to be able to continue working with one of the emerging talents of our motorcycling. We would keep to emphasize the fact that not only Althea believed in him, but also Ducati, who supported his debut in Superbike.

"We would have liked to continue, but Giugliano has a contract with Bevilacqua until 2013. We were very happy with him and will be unchanged as the highest esteem and consideration, will remain alive the hope of being able to one day get back with us."