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Melandri's 32 points have left him trailing in 14th place this season

Marco Melandri is to part company with MotoGP team Ducati at least a year early, according to his agent.

The Italian has won just 32 points since joining the team on a two-year deal at the start of the season.

Alberto Vergani said: "The contract that bound us to Ducati also for 2009 has been annulled by mutual agreement and therefore without any penalties."

Vergani also said the former 250cc world champion may not even complete the season with his current team.

Italian media have speculated that Ducati may be about to replace 25-year-old Melandri with retired former rider Sete Gibernau after the Spaniard recently did tests for the team.