Xerox Ducati have finally confirmed that Noriyuki Haga will ride for the team in the 2009 World Superbike Championship alongside existing man Michel Fabrizio.
As revealed by www.bikesportnews.com at the Donington WSB round, the Samurai of Slide jumps into the seat vacated by Troy Bayliss to race a V-twin for only the second time in his career. He partnered Leon Haslam in the Renegade squad for the 2004 season.
"I am very proud to be able to welcome Noriyuki", said Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Corse's Superbike Team Manager. "We are convinced he is one of the strongest and best loved of the Superbike riders, a talented and courageous man. He is a rider that has proved that he never gives up, in the true spirit of Ducati, and is a rider with the credentials to fill the place that Troy Bayliss vacates.
"Haga will, for the first time, ride a factory Ducati, and I am certain that he will win over the Ducatisti fans and bring great satisfaction. We are very proud to have him in next year's squad together with Michel. They are two fantastic riders and we will do everything to ensure that they can achieve the great results that everyone hopes are possible."