Andrea Dovizioso will stay at Ducati for two more years, as the Italian team confirmed today.

The long and painful negotiations between the 32-year-old and the Borgo Panigale-based outfit have come to an end, culminating in a 2-year deal.

After rejecting Ducati's first offer one month ago, Andrea Dovizioso underlined that it was not just a matter of money, stressing that his interests gravitate around centralizing the team on his figure. Being in his 6th year as a Ducati rider, the Italian believes he is fully deserving of such a promotion.

Following a tense fortnight, Ducati and Dovizioso took their talks to a step forward in Imola during the WSK round. When he arrived in Le Mans earlier this week, the rider revealed that both parties had finally got on the same page. In fact, he was open to finalise the deal before the end of the French race weekend.

Dovizioso mentioned a number of "details" to go through along with his manager Simone Battistella, hinting at an iminent contract renewal.

Teammate Jorge Lorenzo's deal with Ducati expires at the end of the 2018 season, but the never-ending struggles of the Spaniard suggest his departure from the Italian equipe later this year. Alma Pramac Racing's Jack Miller and Danilo Petrucci could be on pole to secure the virtually vacant spot at Ducati, hence let the speculation on Ducati's second bike begin!