Racing: Neukirchner and Checa find new homes

German Max Neukirchner and Spaniard Carlos Checa have found new world superbike homes for 2010.

After being unceremoniously dumped by Alstare Suzuki, 26-year-old Neukirchner will return to Honda to ride a CBR1000RR for Hannspree Ten Kate alongside Brit Jonathan Rea.

"I have to say that my feeling is really good right now," said Neukirchner. "The Ten Kate team is so big and experienced and the CBR1000RR is clearly such a strong package

"Jonathan has proved that with his victories this year and I'm really looking forward to being his team-mate as we are good friends. It feels really great to be back on a Honda; I am feeling fit and I'm determined to put a good season together next year."

While Neukirchner will rejoin the Honda family, Checa will leave Ten Kate after two years and ride a Ducati 1098R for Althea, the same team which Aussie Mark Aitchison is riding for in world supersport this year on a Honda.

At this stage only Checa will be the superbike rider for Althea in 2010, but that could change pending further negotiations.

"After two years with Honda and the Ten Kate team, I've decided to change and I'm extremely happy to join the Althea Ducati Team," said Checa.

"I'm impatient to get to Portimao (for the final round from October 23-25) to be able to end my racing season in the best possible way and also to start to get to know my new team and try out my new bike.

"I'm very happy to be back on a Ducati motorcycle and I look forward to start working immediately with my technical staff because our target is to be competitive right from the very first superbike championship races."