De Rosa secures testing role with Althea in WorldSBK
Reigning European Superstock 1000 Champion Raffaele De Rosa will remain with Althea BMW in 2017 in a testing capacity. De Rosa will also make wild-card appearances over the course of the season in World Superbikes.
The Italian rider wrapped up the STK1000 title at the final round of the season at Jerez, and contested the final two races of WorldSBK in Qatar as a reward for his efforts. He impressed hugely in his wild-card appearance, finishing the opening race of the weekend a respectable 12th. In Sunday’s outing he managed eighth and beat full-time rider Markus Reiterberger in the process.
De Rosa did have his sights set on a permanent ride in the Superbike World Championship this season, but he and the team were unable to make such arrangements. The Italian is nonetheless happy to remain with Althea BMW and looks forward to the continued relationship.
“I am extremely happy to continue this partnership,” he said. “My goal was to attend the entire SBK season; the team and I have invested all our energy for this purpose, however, it was not possible. I believe that this collaboration for 2017 is very good because it means that there is the will to carry out a common project.”