Michel Fabrizio will return to Ducati machinery for the 2013 World Superbike Championship after it was confirmed he has signed with the privateer Red Devils Roma team.
The most experienced rider on the grid having now started 182
WSBK races, Fabrizio comes to Red Devils Roma having enjoyed his career peak during three seasons competing with the factory Ducati Xerox team between 2008 and 2010, a tenure that yielded each of his four career wins.
Switching to Suzuki in 2011 and then BMW Italia for 2012 with mixed success, Fabrizio will return to familiar twin-cylinder machinery for 2013, where he is expected to compete aboard the new 1199 Panigale.
Impressed by Red Devils Roma's commitment having secured a long-term funding deal with sponsor General Invest, Fabrizio was looking forward to starting his eighth consecutive season in World Superbikes.
"The long-standing friendship with Andrea [Petricca] and the professionalism of its team persuaded me to take on this new challenge and I am sure it will bring great satisfaction to all,” said Fabrizio, who is currently tenth in the 2012 standings.
“I want to conclude a good season with my current team, but I am very excited to join a young team and I am sure we will grow together. My experience, the determination of the team and the strength of General Invest get us very far.”
Former Superstock front runners Red Devils Roma, formerly known as SS Lazio, graduated to
World Superbikes for 2012 with ex-MotoGP rider Niccolo Canepa. The Italian has secured a best finish of seventh this year, though his season was curtailed at the Nurburgring when he suffered a broken leg.
Red Devils Roma has previously signalled its keenness to expand to two bikes for 2013.