Ducati CEO Reveals Rossi-Hayden Lineup for 2011

We all knew that Valentino Rossi's switch to Ducati would be just a matter of confirmation time, especially since it was announced that Casey Stoner will leave the Italian manufacturer for a place at Honda starting the 2011 season. However, when Ducati decided to wait until the Czech Republic GP at Brno to make it all public, it seems CEO Gabriele Del Torchio was not in the building.

In an interview with Cycle World earlier this week, Del Torchio let slip the news that Rossi will partner with American rider Nicky Hayden for the 2011 campaign of the MotoGP. So not only did he confirm Rossi's signature on a Ducati deal, but he also revealed the one-year extension (which was obvious, however) of the Kentucky Kid.

“This season will not bring to Ducati any crown in the sport, but I look forward to Valentino Rossi teaming up with Nicky Hayden,” said the Ducati CEO.

“Nicky is a wonderful person and a great rider. This year, he greatly contributed to improving our Desmosedici racer. Next year, he and Valentino will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential,” he added.

Well, truth be told, we didn't exactly needed this pointer to figure out the “move of the year” for Ducati. As we've told you before, the signals in the media, as well as Stoner's first move on the riders' market for next season were hints enough that Rossi will be wearing the all-red racing suit next season.

That being said, the 2011 MotoGP roster seems to fall into place more and more each day. With Rossi and Hayden to pair up for Ducati, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner for Honda and Ben Spies likely to take Rossi's place at Yamaha, Dani Pedrosa is the only guy still seeking for answers.