P&H Motorcycles News & Events

The world of MotoGP will be in shock today as murmurings of Valentino Rossi moving from Yamaha to Ducati appear to be coming to fruition.

According to the Motorcycle News (MCN), an 11th-hour meeting with Yamaha broke down and a deal has now been agreed to wear the Ducati red motorcycle leathers next year.

News that the legendary Italian rider is to ride for the pride of Italian motorcycling is likely to prove a big hit back home and challenge the dominance of the Japanese manufacturer in recent years.

The MCN reveals that money is an issue for Rossi - but specifically he was opposed to taking a pay cut to save the financially-stricken team, only for them to give teammate Jorge Lorenzo a substantial pay increase.

Rossi's new deal at Ducati is said to be for a similar amount to his current Yamaha contract, with a possible rally or F1 link up with Fiat or Ferrari in future.

Meanwhile, it was announced earlier this week that 41-year-old test rider Wataru Yoshikawa will deputise for Rossi as he recovers from a broken leg.

Posted by Marcus Blackburn