Stoner won the MotoGP title with Ducati 2007

Former MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner will leave Ducati at the end of the 2010 season to ride for the Honda factory team.

Australian Stoner spent four years with Ducati and lifted a first MotoGP title for himself and the team in 2007.

Stoner's departure could pave the way for seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi to join Ducati.

Rossi, 31, is in his sixth season with Yamaha but there has been intense speculation he will move on.

Reigning world champion Rossi is currently recuperating from a broken leg suffered at the Italian Grand Prix in June but is expected to return before the end of the season.

The Valencia Grand Prix on 7 November will be Stoner's last ride for the Ducati team.

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And after confirming the amicable split Stoner told the Ducati website: "They took a gamble when they signed me at the end of 2006 as I was unknown.

"But as we worked together we were able to win a championship, many races and challenge for the championship in the last two seasons."

Ducati general director Filippo Preziosi hailed the 24-year-old's time with the Italian team.

"The victories and emotions he gave us rewarded all the hard work and sacrifice we made," said Preziosi.

"In these four years together we have had a lot of great moments. Securing the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title and the victory at Mugello in 2009 were moments that we will never forget.

"In Casey we not only found an incredibly talented rider, but also an honest and loyal guy and that's why there will always be a strong and sincere bond between us, even as a competitor."

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