Briton Crutchlow to join Ducati

Crutchlow, currently with Yamaha, will re-join former team mate Andrea Dovizioso for the 2014 and 2015 campaigns in what will be his first ride with a factory team.

Yamaha MotoGP rider Crutchlow of Britain concentrates before the qualifying session of the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen

The 27-year-old former World Supersport champion and 2011 MotoGP rookie of the year, is fifth in this year's standings, posting four podiums in the first nine races.

Ducati confirmed that Crutchlow would replace Nicky Hayden who has been with the team for five years.

"Ducati would like to thank Nicky for his contributions during that time, and everyone on the team and at Ducati Corse looks forward to giving him and Andrea their full support over the second half of the 2013 season," a statement said.

The 10th round of the MotoGP season takes place at Indianapolis on August 18.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond)