Nicky Hayden aims to justify new Ducati deal

Nicky Hayden aims to prove the doubters wrong after he recently inked a new two-year deal with Ducati.

The 2006 world champion will partner Valentino Rossi in Ducati’s factory squad for 2011 and 2012.

And he conceded that his win record since his debut in 2003 would see his deal frowned upon by some critics.

Hayden’s new two-year deal means he’d have spent his entire ten-year MotoGP squad in a factory team, despite winning only three of 128 races.

He told MCN: “Some people think I maybe didn’t deserve it again. I know people say three wins and one title and almost 30 podiums isn’t enough but it’s still enough to stay on a good bike and a good team.”

Hayden’s extended contract means he’ll work closely with Rossi on the development of Ducati’s new factory 1000cc prototype for 2012.

He added: “I’m excited about being with Rossi and I’m guaranteed to be on that bike in 2012 when the 1000s come back. That is something I’m happy about.”