Rossi to ride for Ducati in 2011

Ducati has confirmed that the seven-time World Champion, Valentino Rossi, will be riding for them after the Italian rider completes his contract with Yamaha at the end of the MotoGP season.

“We are delighted to announce that Rossi will be with us from 2011,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, president of Ducati Motor Holding.

“He is a paragon of excellence in the world of motorcycling, coherent with our Italian company which is a standard-bearer for 'made in Italy' excellence.

These are key values for success in technology, design and sportsmanship. In addition to the strong and passionate intent of both parties, this agreement has been made possible by the committed support of our shareholder Investindustrial and all the sponsors associated with the Ducati Marlboro Team, sponsors which have believed in this opportunity and share and support our choices.”

“Firstly, Valentino is a great fan of motorcycles and so it has always been a pleasure for me to listen to his opinions,” said Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director.

Rossi, who already holds the record of 78 wins for the 500cc/MotoGP segment, needs one more title to tie Giacomo Agostini's record of eight premier-class championships and is 18 race wins short of Agostini's all time record of 122 grand prix wins in all grand prix classes.

By switching to Ducati, Rossi can also try to become the only rider ever to win the 500cc/MotoGP crown for three different manufacturers.

Since joining MotoGP in 2003, Ducati has taken 28 race wins, but 20 of them have been with Casey Stoner - who handed Ducati its first and so far only MotoGP crown in 2007 and is leaving the team for Honda at the end of this year.

[Source]