Michael Rinaldi will partner Scott Redding in the works Ducati WorldSBK squad next season, leaving Chaz Davies looking for a new job.

The Italian has been something of a revelation this season, taking a first podium in fine style in race one at MotorLand Aragon’s Teruel Round – when he won.

Two more podiums thus far at the age of just 24 have given Rinaldi the chance of a lifetime to be a factory rider for Ducati; every Italian’s dream.

He will join names such as Giancarlo Falappa, Mauro Lucchiari, Pierfrancesco Chili, Lorenzo Lanzi, Michel Fabrizio, Davide Giugliano and Marco Melandri in becoming an Italian factory rider at Ducati in WorldSBK, a prestige honour.

“After an exciting journey in Ducati, joining the official team is an honour for me, as well as confirmation of the quality of the work done over the years,” said Rinaldi.

“My first target will be to repay, through the results, the trust that has been given to me. For an Italian rider, racing with Ducati is an extraordinary feeling, and I am sure that the passion of the Ducati people will give me an extra boost.

“I would like to thank Stefano Cecconi and the Aruba family who have always believed in me, and Daniele Casolari, Serafino Foti and the whole Feel Racing for supporting me over the years.

“A special thought to Claudio Domenicali, Gigi Dall’ Igna and Paolo Ciabatti for having involved me in this new project. Finally, I would like to involve the Ramello family, Denis Sacchetti and all the guys in the GoEleven team in an ideal embrace.

“Thanks to them, I was able to make an important quality leap that allowed me to reach this great goal. And of course, I would like to thank my family for having supported me from the beginning together with Germano Bertuzzi whose support has been fundamental.

“I feel I can promise them all my utmost commitment to achieving great results together.”