Honda officially confirm Hayden's exit

The confirmation has been awaited for some time, but an announcement of Hayden joining Ducati is expected this week.

The move will mean that Hayden will not ride a Honda for the first time in ten seasons after winning two AMA championships and the 2006 MotoGP title with the marque.

Hayden has had a difficult past two seasons adapting to the smaller 800cc RC 212V Honda, but got onto the podium for the first time in 2008 with the bike yesterday at Indianapolis.

The 'Kentucky Kid' said: "Sure, it hasn't just been one big holiday, along the way there's been some tough days but a lot of good days too.

Winning the World Championship was by far the highlight of my career so far, plus I won a couple championships in America with Honda, the Supersport championship, the Superbike title and the Daytona 200. And I won some dirt track with Honda too: I won Springfield short track twice, the Peoria TT, in all four Grand National dirt tracks.

"Winning MotoGP rookie of the year in 2003 was quite an achievement against Bayliss, Edwards and Melandri, that was something I was pretty proud of. And of course my two MotoGP wins at Laguna were awesome experiences. I'd just like to thank everyone, and the best way to thank them is to put up some results these last few races. That's the plan."

HRC president 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, speaking on behalf of HRC said Hayden had been "an excellent ambassador for Honda, his genuine polite and friendly personality has made him a favourite with racing people, the media and race fans wherever he goes.

"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."