ValentinoRossiDucati

We're sure that none of you saw this one coming, right? To the surprise of absolutely nobody paying even an ounce of attention, Valentino Rossi has officially announced that he will ride for the Ducati factory team for the 2011 MotoGP race season. It's a veritable dream scenario for Italy, as an Italian rider will take to the track at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing aboard a bright red Italian motorcycle. Bellissima!

Rumors continue to swirl around the MotoGP paddock these days, many surrounding some of the top riders in the sport. Specifically, Australian Casey Stoner, who currently races for Ducati, is said to have already accepted an offer to compete next season for Honda. Naturally, then, there will be a couple of high profile slots open, possibly both for Ducati and for Honda.