DUCATI CEO Gabriele Del Torchio has confirmed Valentino Rossi will race alongside Nicky Hayden in the Malboro Ducati MotoGP squad from 2011.

Following one of the worst-kept secrets in MotoGP, Del Torchio confirmed Rossi's intentions to switch to Ducati in an interview with Cycle World magazine.

"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," said the Ducati boss.

Del Torchio also hinted the company will be seeking to replace Ducati's existing 1198 superbike, as he believed the iconic V-twin had reach the end of its development life: "We knew that we were going to face a tough year in World Superbike. The new rules don't help; someone was allowed to bend them, and our 1198 has reached its ultimate potential. In two years, we shall be ready with our new 1200cc Twin."

Despite this comment from Del Torchio, Ducati have played down the story that that Rossi will join them in 2011.

Source: Cycle World