Reigning 250cc world champion Marco Simoncelli will make the step up to the FIM MotoGP World Championship next season with Honda Gresini.

The 22-year-old Italian sits fifth in the FIM 250cc World Championship after six rounds of the 2009 season and claimed his seventh career win in the category when he took the chequered flag at Le Mans last month.

"Marco has that determination and character that we want from a rider as part of his DNA and we are sure we can look ahead to exciting times with him," said Honda Gresini team manager Fausto Gresini.

"Marco has shown over the past couple of years that he has the ability to be a major force in the premier class, as well as being a great communicator.

"We have established a good feeling with him already and that facilitated negotiations over a contract that we have signed for 2010.

"Also, Honda rates Simoncelli highly and believes he is a rider with great potential for the future, so Honda is very pleased that we are welcoming Simoncelli next season."

Cattolica-born Simoncelli added: "Next year I will be a member of the Honda Gresini team and I am very happy because it is an Italian team.

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

The Metis Gilera rider made his debut on the world stage in the 125cc series in 2002 and went on to claim two wins in four seasons before progressing to the 250s in 2006.