Rossi finds new home in Ducati for 2011

It was a public secret but was confirmed on Sunday evening: Valentino Rossi will join the Ducati team from 2011. After seven years at Yamaha the Italian multiple world champion will join the 'Rossa' next season. Ducati and Rossi signed a two-year agreement.

“Firstly, Valentino is a great fan of motorcycles and so it has always been a pleasure for me to listen his opinions,” said Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director. “Until the Valencia GP he will remain a competitor, one so great that he has always given a special value to our victories, but as soon as he rides the Ducati for the first time, we will work together on every single detail that will develop a bike capable of showing his huge talent.

“Working with Valentino is one of the most exciting things for every Engineer and it’s good to know we will have this great opportunity next season.”

After weeks of speculation in the MotoGP paddock official confirmation came from Yamaha, Ducati and Valentino Rossi on Sunday at Brno that the reigning World Champion would make the switch from the Japanese to the Italian factory for the 2011 season.

Speaking about his decision to seek a new challenge in the next instalment of his illustrious career Rossi, who has won four MotoGP World Championships in his time with Yamaha, explained the motivation for his change following a seven-year relationship with the manufacturer.

“I think that here in Yamaha my work is finished,” said Rossi. “The situation within Yamaha has changed a lot since 2004. Now the M1 is maybe the best bike in MotoGP, Yamaha have great riders, so it looks like they don’t need me any more.”

Rossi has penned a two-year deal with Ducati and is extremely excited at the prospect of linking up with the Bologna factory. “I’m very curious and very motivated for this new challenge and I think it will be very interesting,” he stated.

“I think an Italian rider on an Italian bike will be great for all Italian fans. I think we’ll have a lot of fans cheering for us.”

I really hope this is not a move down a career for him as I still wish to see Rossi winning a couple more of World Championship :)