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| © AP Photo/Petr David Josek |
Seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi will leave Ducati and return to race for Yamaha next season.
In a statement Friday, Yamaha says Rossi has signed for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
The team's managing director Lin Jarvis says it is "excellent news for Yamaha."
Rossi has struggled at Ducati, managing just two podium finishes since joining the team for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
He is currently eighth in the standings.
Rossi will again link up with championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, who signed a two-year extension with Yamaha in June.
Jarvis adds "with these two great champion riders we will be able to challenge for many race wins and for the 2013 and 2014 world championship titles."