<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Stoner signs for Ducati
Australian rising star Casey Stoner is set to join the factory Ducati team next year to partner Loris Capirossi. He will be replaced at Honda LCR by Carlos Checa, with Shinya Nakano taking the Spaniard's place at Konica Minolta Honda.
Stoner, who celebrates his 21st birthday today, did not finish Sunday's Portuguese MotoGP but has enjoyed an excellent season and lies seventh in the points standings.
Honda LCR boss Luca Cecchinello confirmed the news, saying: "Yes, I have reached an agreement with Carlos Checa but I would also like to wish Casey all the best with his future career."
Stoner said a factory ride would help further his ambition of winning the world title.
"Nobody has ever won a world championship on a satellite bike and that is what is appealing about a factory team like Ducati," said Stoner.
"Every year Ducati are winning more races, they are becoming more competitive, as are the Bridgestone tyres."
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