Confirmed: Dovi to partner Lorenzo at Ducati next year

Ducati have confirmed that Andrea Dovizioso will remain with the squad for 2017, winning the battle with teammate Andrea Iannone to become Jorge Lorenzo’s teammate for the next two years.

The news was confirmed this afternoon by the Bologna firm, ahead of their home race at Mugello this weekend. It comes as no surprise, however, with MCN reporting in recent weeks that Iannone had lost out in negotiations after the pair’s last corner collision in Argentina earlier this season.

And, speaking as the news was announced, Dovi says he’s relishing the challenge of continuing the GP16 machine’s improvement alongside the reigning world champion.

“I’m very pleased to have reached this agreement with Ducati and to be able to continue the adventure we began in 2013. Over the years we worked hard and have managed to bring the Desmosedici to a great level of competitiveness and therefore I am convinced that soon we will get all the rewards we deserve.”

It remains to be seen where Iannone will now end up, but the Italian is believed to be in competition with Cal Crutchlow to potentially replace Maverick Viñales on the factory Suzuki.