Ducati retains Hayden for 2010

Ducati has confirmed that it has taken up an option to retain the American, putting an end to speculation that Dani Pedrosa would move to the Italian manufacturer from Honda.

Hayden, who scored his first podium for Ducati on home soil at Indianapolis last weekend, is delighted to have secured his place at the team for another season.

"This has been a very good week and this news just adds to that," Hayden said. "After the good result at 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. 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 at Ducati as well as all our sponsors. I'm sure I'll be able to do a good job next year and to continue to build with, and be part of, the Ducati family."

Ducati's general manager Claudio Domenicali added: "The confirmation of Nicky is the right reward to a rider who has 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 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."