Ducati confirm Hayden signing
Added on Monday, September 15th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Hayden's much speculated move to Ducati has been confirmed.
Nicky Hayden has finally confirmed his move to Ducati for the 2009 MotoGP season.
Motorcycle racing’s worst kept secret in history was finally confirmed today, when Ducati Corse announced that the 29-year-old American will partner Casey Stoner for the 2009 campaign, replacing Marco Melandri who had his switch to Kawasaki confirmed yesterday.
The former world champion, who has had a difficult relationship with Honda bosses since his title success in 2006, leaves having recorded his best finish of the season with a second-place at Indianapolis just 24 hours ago.
Speaking on the deal, Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali said: “We are really happy to have Nicky join us. We are certain that his never-say-die attitude, riding style and character will be great additions to our team in 2009.
“I would like to thank HRC for allowing Nicky to start testing our bike immediately after the Valencia Grand Prix.
Domenicali also paid tribute to the outgoing Melandri after what had been a tough season for the Italian.
“I would also like to thank Marco Melandri for his professionalism during a difficult year, which was below all our expectations.
“Unfortunately his feeling with the Desmosedici was never good enough to allow him to ride as well as he can. We wish him all the best for the future.”
The president of the Honda Racing Corporation, Masumi Hamane, said: “We wish to thank Nicky for all he has achieved for Honda both as a rider and a man.
“Nicky and Honda have shared much success and a few disappointing days but in each case Nicky has always behaved cheerfully and has led the team in a positive way. His warm-hearted character has been much loved by all who have worked with him.”
Repsol Honda team manager Kazuhiko Yamano added: “Nicky is a racer, a tough man on track and always a gentleman with whom it has been a pleasure to work.
“We all wish Nicky good luck and success with his new challenge he will be a fierce rival for our team in 2009.”
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