Mika Kallio signs new Ducati deal

Finn Mika Kallio has penned a new deal with the Pramac Ducati squad for the 2010 MotoGP world championship.
The 12-times GP winner has done enough to impress Ducati bosses having claimed a best finish of seventh place in his rookie campaign.
He said: “”Now that we have agreed for next season we can exclusively concentrate to do our job on track. I am very happy to be able to continue with the Pramac Racing Team, Paolo Campinoti and Ducati to give continuity to this project. This season is going in a positive direction with high and low points, but considering that it is my rookie season it’s normal and I am confident to be able to improve next year.”
Kallio will be back in the Pramac squad this weekend having been on a three race secondment to the Marlboro-backed factory Ducati team in place of absent 2007 world champion Casey Stoner.
Current Gresini Honda rider Alex de Angelis is favourite to join Kallio and Niccolo Canepa’s replacement is likely to be announced during this weekend’s Portuguese GP in Estoril.
Mattia Pasini, who has tested twice for Ducati recently in Brno and Mugello, and Aleix Espargaro, who deputised for Kallio in Indianapolis and Misano, are also leading contenders.