Michael Rinaldi and Ducജati have agreed to a contract extension until 𒉰the end of the 2022 WorldSBK campaign. 

The Italian rider has endured a difficult first campaign with the factory team, with only Misano proving to bဣe a standout round - two wins and a P2. 

Rinaldi has la🦩rgely been out-performed by team-mate Scott Redding - especially of late as Redding is the highest points scorer from 🌠the last six races. 

Whereas Redding has claimed three wins and three second place finishes, Rinaldi has🍸 had just two top fives.&nbs🥂p;

But with Redding leౠaving for BMW in 2022, retaining Rinaldi is a smart move by Ducati as it will allow the team to keep some level of continuity within their rider line-up. 

Rꦐinaldi will be joined by former Ducati rider in 2019, Alvaro Bautista after the Spaniard agreed to return to the team during the Navarra World Superbike round. 

With Ducati announcin🦂g this ne💙ws, it means they, Kawasaki and BMW are the three factory teams to have confirmed their 2022 line-up. 

♏Rinaldi is currently sixth in the world championship - one p🌺lace and point behind Yamaha rookie Andrea Locatelli. 

While current Ducati riders Red﷽ding and Rinaldi have t♍heir futures sorted for 2022, Chaz Davies will be the next big name to watch after being linked with Honda. 

Next up for Rinaldi and Ducati is round eight at Magny-Cours, Fr﷽anceꦰ, a venue which saw the Italian take two seventh places and a sixth for Team GoEleven Ducati in race three last year.