Petrucci to join Ducati's MotoGP team in 2019 after Lorenzo leaves for Honda

Madrid : Italian MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci is to join Ducati's factory team in 2019, the team said on Wednesday. He will replace Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, who is leaving Ducatti for Honda next year. Petrucci, 27, is to move up to Ducati after riding for four years at the satellite Pramac Ducati team, reported Efe.

"It's a great honour to become an official rider for the Ducati Team, especially for someone like me who started in Ducati as a production motorcycle test rider," Petrucci said in a statement on Ducati's website.

Petrucci is to race alongside his compatriot Andrea Dovizioso, who signed a two-year contract with Ducati on May 18.

Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali added: "I wish to give a warm welcome to Danilo, whom we look forward to seeing in Ducati Team colors next year, together with Andrea, and who we feel sure will continue his rapid rise to success."

Earlier Wednesday, Honda Racing Corporation announced Lorenzo is to join the Repsol Honda team starting in 2019 on a two-year contract.