Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler has officially joined the HMC Ducati team, replacing Pascal Picotte.

“It’s a done deal. Mitch (Hansen, HMC Team Owner) has said I could put the word out,” said HMC Ducati Team Manager/Crew Chief Mark Sutton. “I don’t think there’s any signed contract yet, but I think they’re working on that.”

As he spoke to Roadracingworld.com, Sutton said that Ducatis with Chandler’s number on them were being loaded into the team transporter, which is bound for a test at Laguna Seca. HMC plans to test with Chandler, alongside other factory teams, for three days next week at the Monterey, California circuit.

Sutton said he could not comment when asked if there had been any other changes in team personnel.