Nicky Hayden will be staying with Ducati in MotoGP for the 2013 season. Ducati Corse today issued an official press release announcing Hayden's contract extension for another year.
Hayden's continuation at Ducati had been in doubt for over a month, with the news that Ducati was in talks with Cal Crutchlow for next season emerging after Silverstone. Since then, internal discussion - and the support of Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio - has swung back in Hayden's favor, seeing the Kentuckian offered a new contract for next year. Hayden's popularity around the globe, and most especially, his importance to the key US market was a major factor in the decision to extend Hayden's contract. Stability in the team also played a role; with a strong chance that Valentino Rossi could leave the team at the end of this season, starting 2013 with two new riders was felt to be too great a risk. By securing Hayden's services for next year, some continuity in bike development is ensured.
With Hayden now signed, all eyes are on his teammate Valentino Rossi. Rossi is due to make a decision on whether to stay with Ducati or move back to Yamaha in the short summer break between Laguna Seca and Indianapolis. There are no clear signs of what that decision will be as yet. Ducati, like the rest of the world, will have to sit and wait.
Jakub Smrž Freddie Spencer Svend Aage Sørensen Emilio Soprani František Štastný
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