Marco Melandri finally confirmed that he will join with Yamaha on the World Superbike Championship for next season. It means that the rumors was denied. Melandri has been a full time grand prix rider since 1998 in the 125cc class and has taken a total of 22 GP wins - 5 in MotoGP, 10 in 250cc and 7 in 125cc. The Italian won the 250cc world championship in 2002 and moved to MotoGP with a factory Yamaha ride the following season.
“I'm very happy with this new challenge, it's a big change and I want to fight for world Superbike wins,” said 28-year-old Melandri. “It's nice to be back with Yamaha; I know many people there; I was very young when I rode with them before, now I'm much more mature.
"As the reigning 2009 champions The Yamaha Sterilgarda Team have proved to have a very competitive package and are one of the top teams in World Superbike. I realise Superbike is not easy and I know I have to work hard. I'm looking forward to feeling the adrenalin again and fighting for the championship.
"I felt that I needed a new challenge and the genuine opportunity to be back fighting for wins and podiums led me to make this choice. It will be a big change for me but I would like to thank Fausto and everybody else at Team San Carlo Honda Gresini for the opportunity they gave me this season."