MotoGP: Dovizioso signs two-year contract with Ducati

DUCATI have announced that they have extended their contract with Andrea Dovizioso for the next two years until the end of 2018.

The Italian will remain with Ducati for 2017 and 2018 after a contract extension where he will become team-mates with reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo as of next season.

Speaking about his continuation with Ducati, Dovizioso said: 'I’m very pleased to have reached this agreement with Ducati and to be able to continue the adventure we began in 2013.

'Over the years we worked hard and have managed to bring the Desmosedici to a great level of competitiveness and therefore I am convinced that soon we will get all the rewards we deserve.'

After announcing that Lorenzo was to take one place at Ducati, it was clear that they then had to choose between the two Andreas - Dovizioso or Iannone. However the two are difficult to separate in regards to race finishes, but Iannone did wipe out his team-mate when they were both destined for a podium in Argentina.

Ducati's General Manager Luigi Dall'Igna commented on how difficult the decision was to decide betwen Dovizioso or Andrea Iannone.

'It is never easy to make a decision like this, especially when you have two great riders like the Andreas,' explained Dall'Igna.

'We are very pleased that Dovizioso has agreed to stay with us for the next two years and together with him we can continue the successful work we started four years ago to achieve the ambitious goals we set.

'Sorry to Andrea Iannone, who at the end of the season will no longer be with us. Andrea has done important work over the years and has contributed significantly to the development of the Ducati Desmosedici GP. For this we wish to thank him and we will do our utmost with him in the next races to get the best results possible.'

Iannone is now without a ride for 2017 and it is yet to be confirmed as to where he will be next season or if.