Nicky Hayden to Leave Ducati

Nicky Hayden will leave Ducati at the end of this season.  The 2006 MotoGP World Champion announced that Ducati will not retain him during the Thursday's pre-race press conference ahead of the Laguna Seca round of the series this weekend.

Nicky has been with Ducati since 2009 but mostly as a supporting act to an alien, firstly Casey Stoner and then Valentino Rossi.  Hayden has scored 3 podiums during his time with Ducati one each in 2009-11.  During his long tenure with Honda he won just 3 races but took the 2006 MotoGP title.

"I'm not coming back to Ducati in MotoGP next year," Hayden declared. "I'm not really sure what I'm going to do. I've got some options that are interesting."

Nicky is rumoured to be heading to World Superbikes on the assumption that an offer of an alternate MotoGP machine is unlikely.  Ducati would be keen to retain the popular American (the USA is Ducati's largest market) on a Panigale Superbike however Hayden may not be so keen given the Panigale's results this season.

Andrea Dovizioso has a 2 year contract expiring at the end of 2014.

**Source:** MotoGP.com

If you liked this post please consider becoming a Fan of Ducati News Today on Facebook and Following us on Twitter.

Want More?
Read More Posts on Nicky Hayden

Related Posts

1. Nicky Hayden to Lap at the TT
2. Barcelona Free Practice Pays Dividends for Nicky Hayden
3. Nicky Hayden will be Grand Marshal at Indy Mile