Stoner signs for KTM.

Less than an hour after taking his first ever GP victory, with the LCR Aprilia team, it has been announced that Casey Stoner has signed to ride for KTM in 2004 - replacing Roberto Locatelli.

"We are looking forward to next season and Casey Stoner joining our team," began KTM team manager Harald Bartol. "Today he showed his talent with his first win, a perfect result; Casey has always been fast and with the right back-up I think he can be a very successful rider. With Mika (Kallio) and Casey we have a very strong team for 2004."

Kallio and Locatelli had a much more disappointing race today, the young Finn crashing out after colliding with his outgoing team-mate.

"Coming to the final corner, the long left I was on the inside level with Roberto and when we started to turn he closed the door on me and I had to brake very hard, otherwise we both would have crashed. I lost the front and fell; this was a very silly thing so early in the race and a disappointing way to end the season," said the 2003 podium finisher.

Former 125cc world champion Locatelli would continue to finish 17th after the incident, but the Italian's future remains unconfirmed.

"On the second lap Mika came on the inside with a big braking move and when I looked around he had crashed after hitting the rear of my bike; it was just one of those things that happens in racing," said 'Loca'. "Starting from 18th my only option was to go forward and I pushed very hard from the start. I wanted to finish top ten but this was the best result possible, my tyres were fading at the finish."