Espargaro joins Pramac Racing

From motogp.com

Pramac Racing has confirmed that Aleix Espargaró will join its team for the 2010 season to ride alongside Mika Kallio in MotoGP.

The talented Spanish rider made his MotoGP debut for Pramac this year, covering for Kallio while the Finnish star rode the Ducati factory bike in Casey Stoner’s absence during the summer, and his results at Indianapolis and Misano (13th and 11th) respectively were enough to earn him a permanent premier class ride.

“I am very happy to be arriving in MotoGP after the time I have had this year," said the 20-year-old, who grew up near Barcelona’s Montmeló circuit. "It is better news to be riding for Ducati all through next season than to be riding in the final few races of this year, which could have happened.

"The two races that I did for Ducati this year were good, I was very comfortable on the bike and with the team. I think I adapt well to MotoGP because I’m quite tall and the bikes suit me better than Moto2 machines. 2010 could be a good year for me.”

Pramac Racing Team Principal, Paolo Campinoti stated “This year we have already got good results thanks to Mika Kallio’s performances and this is why the Finnish rider will remain with us next season. In Indianapolis Aleix demonstrated his competitiveness from the first laps in both track conditions, dry and wet, and in Misano he confirmed his good feeling with the bike. We really count on him; his attitude and devotion to this sport give us a lot of trust.”

Of departing rider Niccolò Canepa, Campinoti added, “I want to take this opportunity to thank Niccolò. He is a strong guy and we wish him a happy future on and off track. His little experience didn't allow him to perform as we all expected during this championship, but we are anyway convinced of his talent and we are sure he will be able to show it in other categories."