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Hayden Re-Signs with Ducati

Two-year deal reunites Hayden with Rossi
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Aug. 30, 2010
Nicky Hayden has signed on to race two more seasons for Ducatis factory MotoGP team.

Ducati announced the new contract as Hayden made an appearance at the AMA Lucas Oil Indy Mile where he served as grand marshal.

We are really pleased that Nicky will be staying with us for the next two years, says Filippo Preziosi, director of Ducati Corse. It is no secret that he is a rider who never gives up, his whole racing history shows it. As a person his tenacity is an example for us all because he shows us that nothing is impossible if you truly believe. His progress since arriving at Ducati has been impressive and I am sure this trend will continue in the future.

The Owensboro, Ky., native had a slow start when he first joined the Ducati Marlboro team in 2009, finishing 13th with 104 points and one podium appearance. Hayden has improved this season, currently sitting in seventh place. Though he is still looking for his first podium finish of 2010, a sixth-place finish at the Indianapolis round gave Hayden 109 points, surpassing his total from 2009 with seven more rounds remaining.

I am very proud to be signing for Ducati again. Last year I felt like I rode for Ducati but now I really feel as if I am a Ducati rider, says Hayden. The team, sponsors and Ducati fans have really taken me in and supported me a lot and I really hope to pay them back with the results they deserve.

Nicky Hayden has signed on to race at least two more years for Ducati.

The contract extension means Hayden will be reunited with Valentino Rossi, his teammate during his 2003 rookie season with Repsol Honda.

Next year Ill be teamed with some guy named Rossi who knows a little something about bikes! says Hayden. Were going to have a strong squad I wont predict results but I have no doubt this team will have some real passion, real worth ethic and a lot of fun. It is the start of a new era at Ducati and it is an honor for me to be a part of it.

Both Hayden and Rossi are signed through the 2012 season, when MotoGP is switching from its current 800cc engines to 1000cc engines. The larger engine displacement may prove to be a better fit for Hayden whose three career MotoGP wins came in the 990cc era.

Nicky is also a special rider because of his attention to every detail and for him having Valentino as his teammate means a huge contribution towards the development of an even more competitive motorcycle, says Preziosi. I think it is these characteristics that have won the hearts of all the Ducatisti and that is the reason why a Ducati is the bike for him right now.

Related Reading
2010 Lucas Oil Indy Mile

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