ASSEN, Netherlands - Italy's Marco Simoncelli, the 2008 world champion in 250cc, will ride for Fausto Gresini's San Carlo Honda team in the 2010 MotoGP World Championship, Gresini revealed on Thursday.

"We are extremely happy to announce the renewal of our partnership with San Carlo, which has enabled us to recruit Marco Simoncelli in MotoGP for next year," said Gresini, the 125cc world champion in 1985 and 1987.

"Marco has in the last few years demonstrated his ability, thanks to his determination and his character, to be a major driver in the top category."

The 22-year-old Simoncelli, who currently rides for the Metis Gilera team, has raced 104 Grands Prix, securing nine victories and 23 podium places.

His first victory came in a 125cc race in Valencia in 2004 and this year he won at Le Mans in 250cc.

"Next year I will be a member of the Honda Gresini team and I am very happy because it is an Italian team," said Simoncelli.

"I think they are a very strong team. I am very happy to be with Honda and with Fausto."

The two current riders in the Gresini team, Alex de Angelis of San Marino and Spain's Toni Elias have not yet secured their places in the team for 2010, with Simoncelli set to replace one of them.

Simoncelli is currently fifth in the 250cc standings, with De Angelis 13th and Elias 14th in MotoGP.