Ducati has confirmed that Jorge Lorenzo will join its MotoGP team for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, signing a two-year deal.
Speculation over the Spanish rider’s future has picked up pace recently, but now he has announced his plans for the next two seasons with Ducati.
After claiming two 250cc titles, Lorenzo moved up to MotoGP with Yamaha in 2008 and has won three championships with the manufacturer in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
Valentino Rossi will remain at Yamaha until at least 2018, while the team has yet to confirm Lorenzo’s replacement. Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales is tipped to take his place.
"Ducati announces that it has reached an agreement with Jorge Lorenzo thanks to which the Spanish rider will take part in MotoGP in 2017 and 2018," read a brief statement from Ducati.
Lorenzo is currently second in the 2016 standings after three races, having picked up one win, one second place and suffered a retirement in Argentina.
