MotoGP: Lorenzo attracted by Ducati challenge

MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo opted to leave Movistar Yamaha for Ducati from 2017 because he needed a new challenge in his career.

Lorenzo's future had been shrouded in doubt in the opening weeks of the 2016 campaign after Yamaha openly admitted they had yet to agree a new deal with the Spaniard, while his team-mate Valentino Rossi did extend his stay.

A switch to Ducati had been mooted for the three-time champion and on Monday it was confirmed Lorenzo would end his long-standing relationship with Yamaha - the only constructor he has ridden for in MotoGP.

Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti stated it was easy to persuade the 28-year-old to sign a two-year deal, and Lorenzo has given his reasons for agreeing the move.

"I felt I needed a change, a new challenge in my career, set new goals for me to try to achieve and keep my level of ambition at the maximum," Lorenzo said.

"I have only words of gratitude to the Yamaha family because of all the moments we lived through together. I achieved much more than I'd ever dreamt.

"What will happen in the future is unpredictable but from here on I just want to enjoy these 15 races that I have left with Yamaha to try to ratify the World Championship.

"This is right now my only target."