Ducati has confirmed that Andrea Dovizioso will ride with official factory MotoGP team in 2013 and 2014.
Dovizioso will replace Valentino Rossi who will return to Yamaha after two disappointing seasons with the Italian team.
Dovizioso, who currently sits in fourth place aboard the Tech3 Yamaha, will join American Nicky Hayden.
“The agreement reached with Andrea Dovizioso confirms the company’s primary interest in racing, which is an active and strategic part of Ducati’s DNA and heritage,” said President Gabriele Del Torchio.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Andrea, as we marshal our best efforts in confronting the MotoGP World Championship. Along with Nicky Hayden, with whom we have renewed a working agreement, we are confident that we will be able to proceed with our development program, to compete, and to obtain the results and rewards that will repay our efforts and the faith that our partners, sponsors and fans have never failed to demonstrate.”
A key goal will be to put Ducati back in championship contention, something it has not been able to achieve since Australian Casey Stoner rode for the team between 2007-2010.
“Andrea’s technical sensibility and test-riding abilities are of great value, as are his talent and determination,” added Filippo Preziosi, General Manager of Ducati Corse.
“The knowledge that we will have him on our team and be able to count on his collaboration serves as an additional incentive to continue with the growth and development of our MotoGP project. I’m pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our team. He is aware of the work to be done, and he approaches it with enthusiasm and confidence, which are fundamental requirements for achieving success and for competing in this challenging championship.”
MotoGP races this weekend at Brno in the Czech Republic.
