'Cal Crutchlow To Replace Nicky Hayden At The Ducati Team'

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Cal Crutchlow has reportedly agreed a two-year deal with the Ducati Team. The 27 year old Briton is expected to be announced as Nicky Hayden's replacement at the Bologna-based outfit on Friday.

Having had the ambition of riding for a MotoGP factory team, Crutchlow was not able to secure a seat in Yamaha's Factory Racing Team. Initially, Crutchlow wanted to stay with Yamaha, but ultimately chose to switch to Ducati instead. The Ducati deal means that he will become the first British rider in a MotoGP factory team since 2004, when Jeremy McWilliams and Shane Byrne formed an all-British line-up at Aprilia MotoGP Racing.

Crutchlow, who has achieved four podium finishes so far this season, is set to be reunited with his former Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team mate Andrea Dovizioso at Ducati. Having lost out on a factory seat at the Audi-owned outfit to Dovizioso last year, Crutchlow will now race alongside the Italian for 2014 and 2015.

Meanwhile, the Briton's seat at the Yamaha satellite team is expected to be taken by Tuenti HP 40 Moto2 rider Pol Espargaro, who is already believed to have agreed a deal with Yamaha.