Hayden: Stoner 'shameful' to leave
Ducati rider Nicky Hayden says it is a "bit shameful" of Casey Stoner to leave the Italian squad to ride for Honda next year
The Australian, world champion with Ducati in 2007, confirmed he will leave the team to ride for Honda from 2011, following a four-year stint with the Italian manufacturer.
Hayden feels it is 'shameful' of Stoner to leave after all the work carried out by Ducati to help him succeed in MotoGP.
"It's his decision, none of my business," Hayden told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I think it's a bit shameful, as Ducati has done a lot for his career and has helped him in every possible way in winning races and the championship. But he's done a lot for Ducati too."
Stoner is expected to be replaced by Valentino Rossi at Ducati, and Hayden reckons the decision to hire the Italian is a no-brainer.
"Ducati would be crazy not to hire him: he's won nine titles, and he's come back at the Sachsenring with a broken leg. This shows where his heart is, and if someone still has doubts about his motivation...
"In the year we spent together I was a rookie and he was the champion. I wasn't even on his radar. I have a lot of respect for what he has done, both on and off the track. He is able to make a team stronger."
The American said he is willing to stay on at Ducati for a third season and that talks were in an advanced stage.
"Negotiations are advanced. I like the bike, I love the team, and it seems like they are happy with me. I don't want to go anywhere else."
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