Althea Ducati have signed former 125cc world champion Nico Terol and ex-British Superbike star Matteo Baiocco to contest next year’s World Superbike series.

Terol switches away from Moto2 where he has had a fairly hard time and has been hampered this year with a hip injury while it is Baiocco’s first chance for a full season in the world championship. He is a former Italian champion.

“I’m very happy about this opportunity with Team Althea. I’m lucky to be coming to a championship such as Superbike that I have always followed closely, and with a very experienced Team that knows how to win,” said Terol.

“It’s great to be able to debut with a bike like the Ducati. This period has been very difficult for me, so I consider the move to Superbike as a chance to start over. I’ve never lost the desire to compete against others and fight for the win.”

Baiocco added: “Becoming part of such a successful Team is a very important opportunity for me to put all of my experience from recent years, in national championships and in the development of the Panigale SBK with Ducati, into practice.

"I feel ready for this new challenge and believe that this opportunity has come at the right time for me. I can’t wait

to start working with my new team, in order to find the right harmony and arrive competitive at next season’s opening race.”