Aleix Espargaro has been confirmed as the second rider at the Pramac Ducati team after impressing during wildcard rounds in Indianapolis and Misano.
Espargaro, who was without a team earlier this year following the collapse of his 250cc championship team, will replace Niccolo Canepa next season at the Pramac Ducati team after agreeing a one-year contract for 2010.
The Spaniard stood in for Mika Kallio earlier this year during Casey Stoner’s mid-season break, putting in a number of fast laps and impressed team bosses enough to secure a contract for 2010.
“Life can change so quickly in just a few months,” claimed the 20-year-old. “At the beginning of this year I had to stay home as my 250cc Team retired from the championship and now I have the opportunity to ride with the fastest riders in the world in MotoGP category. I also had some really interesting offers from Moto2, but as soon as Paolo Campinoti made me the offer to race for his Team I took less than a second to accept.
“I found myself really well in the races ridden for them this season: I was enthusiastic of their professionalism. They work really close with Ducati and they have immediate technical feedback when needed. The bike has impressed me so much for its power and its manageability. I have to thanks Pramac Racing Team, Paolo Campinoti and Ducati for this fantastic opportunity they are giving me.”