Prior to an expected confirmation at Brno, Ducati reveal their plans for 2011 do include the Italian motorcycling legend.

While the formal announcement that Valentino Rossi will make the jump to Ducati next season appears increasingly imminent, it seems the Italian manufacturer has jumped the gun and unofficially confirmed he will join in 2011.

Rossi's switch from Yamaha has been mooted for several months, with latest rumours suggesting he will reveal his plans for the future at the end of the Czech Grand Prix in two weeks time.

However, with the deal already thought to be signed and sealed, Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio has apparently confirmed the inevitable in an interview with Cycle World in which he says he is looking forward to seeing Rossi joining Nicky Hayden in its line-up.

“This season will not bring to Ducati any crown in the sport, but I look forward to Valentino Rossi teaming up with Nicky Hayden,” he said.

“Nicky is a wonderful person and a great rider. This year, he greatly contributed to improving our Desmosedici racer. Next year, he and Valentino will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential.”

A slip of the tongue or not, the move comes as little surprise as the rider market begins to take shape, Ducati's Casey Stoner having already confirmed he is Honda-bound in 2011. In Rossi's absence, Yamaha are expected to promote Ben Spies alongside Jorge Lorenzo.

 

It's official. Since the US GP is such a huge PR venue, Yamaha and Ducati had a gentleman's agreement to wait until after Laguna to make the announcement.

 

i can't wait to see which bike is better developed for the 2011 season

 

Ducati denies Rossi deal is sealed

Ducati insists neither Rossi nor Hayden have been confirmed to the team for 2011.
Ducati has released a statement rubbishing claims that it has definitely signed Valentino Rossi for the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

Recent quotes attributed to Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio had seemingly confirmed that Rossi would join Nicky Hayden in its line-up for next season, potentially ending months of speculation.

However, Ducati has moved to deny the reports, saying it retains an interest in these riders but that it has not signed anyone to its team for 2011.

The team statement said:

“Regarding the recent allegations attributed to Gabriele Del Torchio - Ducati CEO and President, Ducati states that no agreement has been reached with the riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden for the future Moto GP season, although our interest in these riders remains.

“We would like to say that the recent news which has appeared on the US website Cycle World and other websites has been misreported and must be attributed to the many rumours circulating lately.

“Whether and when an agreement is reached, official press releases will be issued.”

Rossi is tipped to confirm his immediate future in two weeks time after the Czech Grand Prix at Brno.

 

New here, but wouldn't it be easier to just post the link rather than to cut and past the story from their website?

Ducati denies Rossi deal is sealed | MotoGP News | Aug 2010 | Crash.Net