Image: Supplied.

Alma Pramac Racing has announced the signing of Francesco Bagnaia for the 2019 and 2020 MotoGP World Championship seasons, contracted directly to Ducati in an early signing for the Italian.

Currently part of the Sky Racing Team VR46 in Moto2, 21-year-old Bagnaia is expected to challenge for the mid-tier title this season prior to stepping up to the premier class next year. He finished fifth as a rookie in 2017.

The arrival of Bagnaia will likely see him replace experienced countryman Danilo Petrucci on the Desmosedici GP, who is in search of a factory deal – already linked to Aprilia Racing Team Gresini – for the 2019 season. Australian Jack Miller is currently on a one-year deal at Pramac Racing, up for renewal at the end of this year.