Ducati secure Stoner and Melandri

Stoner (left) and Melandri (right) will be team-mates next season

Ducati have extended the contract of MotoGP world championship leader Casey Stoner until the end of 2009, and added Marco Melandri to their 2008 line-up.

Stoner had already extended his deal until 2008 earlier this season and now has an option for 2010, while Melandri has signed a two-year deal.

The news was announced after Stoner won the US Grand Prix, with Melandri third.

Current Ducati rider Loris Capirossi will open talks next week about his future at the team.

606: DEBATE Stoner and Melandri: Ducati's dream team?

Going into the summer break, Stoner leads the world championship race by 44 points, with Valentino Rossi in second place and Melandri in fifth.