Valentino Rossi at Ducati, it's almost official

It's almost done: the Motorcyclenews source speaks clearly, noting the certainty - which does not waver - of the news: Valentino Rossi, born in 1979, 182 centimeters tall, 67 kilograms in weight, in the world championship since 1996, with 230 GPs contested behind him, 104 of which he won, 167 podiums earned, with 4 categories in which he was triumphant, divided into 9 world titles, he will move from the Yamaha team to the Ducati team. Light-heartedly.

The contract already drawn up, if the source had indeed disclosed correct data, would amount to 7,5 million euros per season for the 2011 and 2012 world championships, even if the official announcement of the news - awaited or reviled - could be made during next weekend, at the Catalunya Grand Prix: the direct voice comes right from the paddock, which states, not without a touch of confidence and ostentation, that the Tavullia champion's catwalk is a done deal.

It seems, going more into the specifics of the news, that Valentino Rossi is fascinated by the idea of ​​being able to end his career - has it really come to an end? – on an Italian motorbike like Ducati: although the multiple winner had tried a single-seater several times, he probably understood that the balance of the four tires was not for him and turned his will towards another red one.

However, the consequence on the structure of the world championship will be varied and will not be limited to Valentino Rossi's choice of change: the Yamaha team, left without one of the riders, will keep Lorenzo at the helm of the team, alongside Spies, while Stoner, depleted of own Ducati, will probably head towards Honda, where he could team up with Dovizioso and Pedrosa. From your point of view, how do you read the Rossi-Rosso Ducati duo and the revolution within the configuration of the championship?