Former MotoGP star and current Bennetts British Superbike contender Scott Redding will replace Alvaro Bautista in the factory Ducati WorldSBK team.

Speculation has surrounded the move since rumours of Bautista’s departure began circulating at Laguna Seca, with Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti saying the Gloucestershire rider was first on their list.

“I’m so happy to join the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team, which is something that I’ve wanted for a long time, because to be able to work with a team that can fight for a world title is really a great opportunity for me,” said Redding.

Obviously now I have to remain fully focussed on the British Superbike Championship, because I want to try and win that title with the Be Wiser Ducati before stepping back up to a world championship again.

“A big thanks to all those people who have helped to make this dream happen, and now I can’t wait to get on the factory Panigale V4 R bike in the World Superbike Championship.”

He will join Chaz Davies who starts his seventh season as a Ducati rider in the championship.

It also leaves a decent-sized hole in the PBM Ducati BSB team which boss Paul Bird would like to fill with someone of similar talent/charisma. Step forward Leon Camier?