Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom will most likely have a European teammate in the 2005 AMA Superbike series, according to sources within Ducati Corse.

“We will definitely have a second rider in AMA Superbike next year,” Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Superbike Racing Director told Roadracingworld.com Friday at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). “We are not considering any Americans at this time. We are looking at European riders.”

Ducati World Supersport rider Lorenzi Lanzi and World Superbike Championship runner-up Regis Laconi are at VIR and will be riding with Ducati Austin this weekend.

Some paddock rumors had Eric Bostrom and Ducati cutting their two-year relationship short, but both sides confirmed that they would be together in 2005.

“We’re very happy with our relationship with Eric,” said Ciabatti. “He is a very good rider and is very good at PR. We have no doubts that we want him with us next year.”

“For sure,” Bostrom said, when asked if he would be back with Ducati in 2005. As for gaining a teammate, Bostrom added, “Yeah, it should be cool. Obviously, having a second rider will be good.”