Edwards out, Xaus in at Ducati WSB

Ruben Xaus will partner Neil Hodgson on the factory Ducati 999 in World Superbikes in 2003.

The Spaniard is expected to sign shortly to fill the vacancy created by Colin Edward’s departure for MotoGP.

Edwards will ride for an as yet unknown team in MotoGP next year. Ducati released him from his letter of intent, since it included a get-out clause that allows Edwards to ride for another team providing it’s in Grand Prix, not WSB.

Although it’s all still unclear, Edwards’ has three options before him:

1)On a factory Yamaha M1 alongside Carlos Checa

2)A berth alongside Max Biaggi on a Pramac Honda RCV

3)Or, another RCV V5 ride in the fledgling Gresini Honda set-up.

The strongest candidate looks like option two, potentially with oil-giants Castrol as either personal, or joint team, sponsors.

We’ll let you know what decision Edwards makes as soon as possible.