Italian driver Franco Morbidelli will replace Frenchman Johann Zarco within the Italian Ducati-Pramac team in 2024, she announced on Monday on her social networks.

Teammate since 2021 of the Frenchman Fabio Quartararo at Yamaha where he was at the end of his contract, Franco Morbidelli, 28, will be partnered with the Spaniard Jorge Martin.

In difficulty with the Japanese manufacturer over the last three seasons, Morbidelli takes over the reins left vacant by Johann Zarco, at the end of his contract and who has signed for the Honda-LCR team next season.

Moto2 champion in 2017, the Italian rider competed in 85 Grand Prix for three victories and six podiums.

In 2020, he had his best season in MotoGP by finishing vice-world champion behind the Spaniard Joan Mir.