Ducati to offer Nicky Hayden new deal

Ducati will offer Nicky Hayden a new contract for 2011.

The American will be rewarded for his stunning transformation in fortunes with an imminent offer of a new deal.

The 2006 world champion endured a torrid debut season with the Bologna factory last season and came close to the axe as Ducati launched a failed swoop on Yamaha star Jorge Lorenzo.

But Hayden has been the revelation of the 2010 campaign on board Ducati’s new Big Bang GP10. 

He has narrowly missed the podium in Qatar, Le Mans and again at last weekend’s exciting British MotoGP at Silverstone having lost a last lap tussle with fellow American Ben Spies.

Ducati’s factory team boss Vittoriano Guareschi told MCN: “ I hope Nicky stays with us. Everybody in Ducati is happy with Nicky. Last year at this moment in the season it was a disaster. But step-by-step the results have been good.  I think we will understand next year before Brno. It is important for Ducati and for Nicky to understand the future.”

Hayden has finished fourth in four of the opening five races.