Pramac Racing is pleased to be able to announce its new riders for the 2009 MotoGP season – Mika Kallio (Finland) and Niccolo Canepa (Italy). Mika Kallio, who is now third in the 250 World Championship and first of the KTM riders, has ridden in the in the quarter litre class for the last two seasons. In his debut year of 2007 he claimed two victories and seventh position in the championship, whilst in 2008 he has taken three victories and is currently third in the championship. Before stepping on a 250cc bike, the Finnish rider rode a KTM 125cc bike from 2003 to 2006 and claimed 27 podiums, including 7 victories, finishing second in the championship in 2005 and 2006. Niccolo Canepa is a new entry into the MotoGP World Championship and is the first rider to step into this category thanks to the experience gained as test rider. Niccolo began his career at a very young age riding a Ducati in the FIM Superstock 600 Cup, finishing second in 2006 despite missing the last two races due to injury. In 2007 he won the FIM Superstock 1000 World Cup on the new Ducati 1098. He demonstrated his riding qualities and sensitivity to the Ducati Corse technicians in 2007 by also developing the 1098R Superbike version, having convinced also Ducati Corse to let him become the test rider for the Ducati Bridgestone test squad on the Desmosedici GP8. The experience gained in this position and his good performances have opened the 2009 MotoGP World Championship doors to him. The two young Pramac Racing riders will have the Ducati Desmosedici GP9 Sat with carbon chassis at their disposal for 2009. Paolo Campinoti — Pramac Racing Team Principal: “We are very happy to have two very promising riders in Kallio and Canepa. Mika is doing really well in 250 and we are confident that he will be able to continue his positive trend in the top class. Niccolo has shown his abilities on the Ducati Desmosedici during this seasons tests and this has convinced Ducati and us to let him step up into MotoGP. Together with Ducati we have agreed to create a sort of “Junior Team”. A part of me is sad that we are not able to continue with our current riders, Toni Elias and Sylvain Guintoli, because they have done a lot for the Alice Team during this season. I want to publically thank them for their work and for bringing us to date, two unforgettable podiums. I wish them a future rich in success and happiness.