After so many rumours about Niccolo Canepa riding next year in World Superbike or MotoGP, the Ducati Alice Team has announced the riders line up for 2009 in MotoGP with the Italian Canepa and Mika Kallio.
Niccolo began his career at young age riding a Ducati in the FIM Superstock 600 Cup, and won the Superstock 1000 Cup with the Ducati 1098.
He was involved in developing the 1098R Superbike and became the Ducati Bridgestone test rider on the Desmosedici GP08.
His experiences and good performances have opened 2009 MotoGP doors to him.
Mika Kallio, is third at this moment in the 250 World Championship and first of the KTM riders.
It’s his second year in the 250 Class and he claimed two victories and a 7th position last year.
This year Mika has taken three victories and is currently 3rd in the championship.
Peter Campinoti, Pramac Team Principal said about the new riders: “We are very happy to have two very promising riders in Kallio and Canepa.
Mika is doing really well in 250 and we are confident that he will be able to continue his positive trend in the top class.
Niccolò has shown his abilities on the Ducati Desmosedici during this season’s tests and this has convinced Ducati and us to let him step up into MotoGP.
“Together with Ducati we have agreed to create a sort of “Junior Team”.
A part of me is sad that we are not able to continue with our current riders, Toni Elias and Sylvain Guintoli, because they have done a lot for the Alice Team during this season.
I want to publically thank them for their work and for bringing us to date, two unforgettable podiums.
I wish them a future rich in success and happiness.
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