Ducati confirm Hayden for factory team again in 2010

Ducati Corse announced on Thursday that Nicky Hayden will sign a one year extension to his current agreement and will line up alongside Casey Stoner in the Ducati Marlboro team for 2010.

The news comes ahead of Hayden’s second appearance for Ducati in Italy, at the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, and on the back of his first podium for the factory at his home event at Indianapolis last weekend.

Hayden commented, “This has been a very good week and this news just adds to that. After the good result in Indy, now to renew the deal with Ducati is exactly what I wanted. I’m very happy. I always had faith and believed that we could achieve good results.”

He continued, “I’m excited for these last five races of the 2009 season, and if you look at the progression we have made from the start of the season to the middle, hopefully we will continue this through to the end. I just wish to say a big thanks to all the guys who made this happen, especially everybody in Ducati, as well as all our sponsors.”

Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali stated, “The confirmation of Nicky is the right reward for a rider who has been shown to perfectly embody the frame of mind that characterises Ducati - passion, determination and commitment. We have always considered Nicky to be an important asset to the Ducati 2010 strategy and we are very happy that he will remain in the Ducati Marlboro team. His progression through the season has been constant up to the podium in Indianapolis and we are certain that the experience he has gained will be decisive for a 2010 season full of success.”