Stoner denies long-term Ducati deal

Stoner joined the factory Ducati Marlboro squad from LCR Honda at the start of 2007 on a one-year contract with an option for extensions.

The Australian confirmed that Ducati had already exercised their option to ensure he would stay with the team for at least another season.

"Ducati already had the option on me and we'd already decided this last year I think," said Stoner.

"I'm very happy to stay where I am. It's been a great year this year and I'm very happy with the whole Ducati family, and I'm very happy to stay here for next year."

But he denied reports that he was now negotiating a long-term deal with the team.

"Next year is next year, and then maybe in the future we'll start to talk about that," said Stoner.

"But just for now, we'll stay with the next year and see what happens in the future."

Stoner has won five out of eight races since joining Ducati, and currently leads the championship by 26 points.

He was fastest in both today's practice sessions at Assen.