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Rossi out of Ducati, into Yamaha

ROME, Italy - Italian motorcycling great Valentino Rossi will leave Ducati at the end of the 2012 MotoGP season to rejoin Yamaha on a two-year deal.

Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis said in a statement: “In June (2012) we signed Jorge Lorenzo for the 2013/14 campaign and can now confirm Valentino Rossi for the next two years.

"I’ve no doubt that with the experience, knowledge, skills and speed of these two great champion riders we will be able to challenge for many race wins and for the 2013 and 2014 World championship titles."

DUCATI KEEPS HAYDEN

The 33-year-old, nine-times World champion – seven of those in the highest class - first joined Yamaha in 2004 and won four MotoGP titles for the brand before agreeing a two-year deal with Ducati at the end of the 2010 season.

Ducati said it was finalising its 2013 championship line-up having recently renewed a contract with American Nicky Hayden.

Spaniard Lorenzo, MotoGP champion in 2010, has ridden for Yamaha since 2008 and is leading the 2012 championship by 23 points after 10 races.

Rossi is in eighth place with only one visit to the podium all season.
 
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