Takahashi joins Scot for 2009

The move sees Takahashi take the ride that was vacated by Andrea Dovizioso when he announced his move to the factory Repsol Honda outfit for 2009.

Takahashi will be the sole Japanese rider in MotoGP next year, having risen through the Japanese 250cc championship, which he won in 2004, before joining the World Championship in 2005 alongside Dovizioso.

"I started to run in the world championship of 250 with the Scot Racing Team Honda, and next year will begin another season together, our debut in MotoGP," said Takahashi.

"To me this is a dream that is realized because when I started as a child, I did not think that I would come up to here, but it's always been my goal as a rider.

"I want to thank the team that I have always maintained, even in difficult times after the accident at the end of 2006 season, and I am grateful to Honda with who today reached an important milestone. This is a starting point towards other goals to share together."

The Scot Racing Team recently announced at Indianapolis that they will split from their current partnership with JiR at the end of this season.