Crutchlow to join Ducati

Thursday, 1 August 2013 17:51

Ramsey's Cal Crutchlow has got the MotoGP factory ride he has been seeking.

He has signed for Ducati in a two year deal which sees him replace 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden from next season.

A full announcement is expected to be made by the Italian manufacturer tomorrow.

Crutchlow is enjoying his most successful season to date with the satellite Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team.

He has taken four podiums and a pole position.

However, he initially wanted to stay with Yamaha but wanted assurances of a factory ride which were not given.

The factory Yamaha team has riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi on contracts which run until 2015.

The only other factory team is Repsol Honda who run Spaniards Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez.

Ducati have been struggling in recent seasons but the Audi takeover has led to big changes at the MotoGP team.

Crutchlow's team-mate for 2014 will be Andrea Dovizioso.

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