Avintia Ducati have this lunchtime confirmed Tito Rabat will be joining the team for MotoGP 2018 and will have a Desmosedici GP17 under him.

Rabat has been in the frame for a seat with the team since Marc VDS announced they would be promoting Franco Morbidelli into the blue riband class next year.

“I’m very happy to sign with Reale Avintia Racing and to race with Ducati in 2018. I think we have done a good job in two years with Honda, but I think that it is time to change. Now I have a new opportunity to demonstrate that I can be fast and competitive in MotoGP,” said Rabat.

“I’ll be racing in a team that I know since my childhood and with a bike that I think will suit my size and my style to perfection. This is a great opportunity and I’ll make the best of it. I will fight and give it all to be successful. I want to say thank you to Ducati and Reale Avintia Racing for trusting in me.”