Haga and Fabrizio retained at Ducati for 2010

The Xerox Ducati World Superbike team has confirmed that Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio will be retained in 2010.

Haga and Fabrizio currently sit second and third in the title standings with three rounds remaining.

The announcement ends recent speculation that Haga will retire at the end of the current season and leaves Ducati with a formidable rider line-up once again in 2010.

Haga currently sits 18 points behind series leader Ben Spies after an untimely collision with Jonathan Rea and subsequent crash last time out at the Nurburgring.

Hags said: “I am very happy that this great team continues to believe in me! I thank Ducati, the team and everyone that was involved in making the decision.

“I have a great relationship with my team and with Michel, and so I am more than happy to stay here in 2010.

“We don’t yet know how this year will end, but what is certain is that I will continue to do my best, as I do every weekend.

“Knowing that I have a job for next year will surely spur me on; I will give 200% in Imola this weekend, and then if that’s not enough I’ll redouble my efforts at Magny and Portimao!”

After a slow start to his career with Ducati in 2008, Fabrizio has finally delivered during 2009 to earn his place ion the squad for another season.

The 25 year old Roman has one win and 11 podiums to his credit so far this season and sits 57 points behind his team-mate in the championship standings.

Fabrizio said: “I’m very happy, I received confirmation of the renewal the day before my birthday and this news was a great end to the week. I’m currently third in the championship and I’ll continue to give my all in the final three rounds.

“At Imola I’m going to go on fighting my own battle, and then we’ll see how Nori and I are placed… I’ll perhaps change my strategy for the last two races, if need be, in order to assist Nori.

“Next year I won’t let anyone get ahead as quickly as Nori did this season and I’ll be doing all I can to be near the top of the standings right from the start of the championship.”