Ducati confirm 2009 Melandri split

Melandri's manager Alberto Vergani announced yesterday that his client and Ducati had agreed not to continue with the second year of their contract in 2009 because the Italian rider had struggled so badly this season.

Suppo said Ducati were grateful to Vergani and Melandri for their co-operation.

"I think we have to thank both of them - it's been a very easy negotiation, there was no conflict like some people said," he told BBC television.

"It's clear that if Marco cannot have a good feeling with this bike it would be unusual to think about one more year."

Melandri has been unable to get the Ducati Desmosedici GP8 to his liking, and has been significantly slower than teammate Casey Stoner all season - falling even further behind in the last two races despite Stoner taking dominant victories.

The pressure on Melandri increased when Sete Gibernau set promising times on the bike in testing, and there have been strong rumours that Melandri will be dropped in favour of Gibernau at the earliest opportunity.

But Suppo said Ducati would give Melandri the chance to show better form at the Sachsenring and Laguna Seca before considering any changes.

"Of course the results of Assen and Donington were really totally unexpected," he said. "I believe Marco will be much better here and in Laguna, so there will not be this possibility. I'm positive and I think he will improve."

He even suggested that Ducati could reconsider their 2009 decision if Melandri improved his performances.

"You never know, if from now on he's on the podium always then maybe we'll renegotiate again," said Suppo.