Axel Bassani has been confirmed as staying on at Motocorsa Ducati for 2023’s WorldSBK campaign.

After missing out on the factory seat at Aruba, - to current rider Michael Rinaldi - the 22-year-old Italian will remain with the Independent team for a third straight season. With three WorldSBK podiums to his name so far, two from the current season, Bassani sits sixth in the championship standings with four round remaining and is already eager for more success next year.

 “I’m really happy to continue with Motocorsa and we’ll see what happens!” Bassani said on the announcement. “This year, we did a really good job and we continued in a good way and grew up a lot. I’m happy to stay with the mechanics and with all the team.

"I hope to compete for the top three but it’s really difficult with Toprak, Jonny and Alvaro are on another level right now.

“We’ll aim for this and try to do the best possible. I hope to be on the podium every weekend! I want to enjoy the moment and this season, and after, during the winter break, I’ll start to focus on 2023.

“The negotiation was normal, like speaking with a friend,” he continued. “Me and Lorenzo Mauri have a really good friendship; I ask for some things but nothing special, it was very normal. I’m really happy to continue with this team because I arrive in WorldSBK with them. It’s special that if I don’t have a space on a factory bike, then I’m happy to stay here because I think it’s the best place to race with an Independent team. After 2023, we’ll see if we have the possibility to go on a factory bike and compete for the championship.”