Ducati expands MotoGP entry for 2011

Ducati will expand its involvement in MotoGP to six bikes in 2011.

The extra Desmosedici GP11 will be campaigned by Czech Republic rider Karel Abraham.

The shock move follows an impressive test session for Abraham at Mugello earlier this move when he rode a factory spec Ducati GP10.

The 20-year-old has never claimed a single podium finish in 87 Grand Prix starts but his father has massive financial clout and is heavily subsidising the deal.

Abraham’s father, also named Karel, is the owner of the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic.

Dorna will be relieved at the deal with Honda poised to abandon plans to run seven RC212V machines next season.

A lack of financial support has hindered its bid to run a three-rider factory effort for Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso and HRC has failed to agree a deal with energy drink giant Red Bull.

Abraham’s arrival will mean an 18-rider grid in 2011, 12 of which will be supplied by Honda and Ducati.

Abraham was present during last weekend’s American MotoGP race at Laguna Seca.