Francis and Patricia Batta first discovered the motor racing world in 1982. They started providing the hospitality for the Kevin Schwantz Lucky Strike Suzuki squad. They loved the experience so much that they then went on to work with several other teams. After a brief foray in the world of powerboats in the early 90s, Francis Batta’s career took a decisive turn when he became General Manager of the Superbike World Championship, one of the world’s most exciting and spectacular forms of motor sport. This adventure reinforced Francis and Patricia’s desire to create their own team and in 1992, their stunning brainchild, Alstare Racing, was born.
Following a successful three-year collaboration with Ducati, Alstare decided to take its ambitions to a higher level by teaming up with Japanese manufacturer Suzuki. Today, while Francis liaises with Japan and manages the racing side of things, Patricia is busy organising the corporate image of the team.
Team Alstare Suzuki’s headquarters are situated in Alleur just aside the city of Liege, in Eastern Belgium. Ideally located in the heart of Europe. Although Team Alstare’s main area of focus remains the Superbike World Championship, it also competes in the European Superstock 1000 Championship (with Belgian youngster Xavier Siméon) and organises the GSX-R European Cup, a one-make championship aimed at discovering the champions of tomorrow.
In a totally revamped former marmalade factory, where technical expertise meets sheer motivation to create pure excitement and world-class entertainment, the Alstare team builds and prepares Suzuki race bikes with one sole objective in mind: victory at all costs. Having won 8 world titles since the team was created, it can be said that this philosophy has paid off. And the good news is: Team Alstare's thirst for victory remains unquenchable.
Today, Team Alstare once again finds itself at an exhilarating crossroads where creativity and determination meet professionalism and ambition. This explosive mix culminated in Troy Corser’s World SBK Championship title at the end of the 2005 season. Unfortunately, Francis Batta’s troops could not retain the world title in 2006, but they did take a prestigious harvest of 14 podiums (including 5 wins) and the European title wth Xavier Siméon in the Superstock 600 class.
Undoubtedly, the season 2007 was marked by the Max Biaggi's arrival in the Belgian squad and the split with Alstare’s historic sponsor : Mexican beer Corona Extra. Throughout the year, team’s strength was shown, with Max in contention for the world title until the very last race of the year . In the end, he failed by a narrow margin and then left the team to forge new pastures. After ten years or so, Corona Extra’s departure was a big blow and Alstare was forced to find a new main sponsor and new riders. Thanks to the support of Pepephone.com, a Spanish telecommunications company, and the recruitment of two new outstanding riders (Spaniard Fonsi Nieto and German Max Neukirchner), Alstare will fight to win a second world championship title in Superbike in 2008 and show that its skills and thirst for success is as undiminished as ever.