Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden will leave Honda at the end of the season to join the Ducati team.

The 27-year-old will team up alongside Casey Stoner at Ducati, replacing Marco Melandri, who is heading to Kawasaki.

American Hayden will take part in a Ducati test straight after the final MotoGP round of the season which takes place at Valencia on 26 October.

"We wish to thank Nicky for all he has achieved as a rider and a man," Honda Racing president Masumi Hamane said.

Hayden, who won the world title in 2006, said: "Winning the world championship was by far the highlight of my career so far.

"I'd just like to thank everyone, and the best way to thank them is to put up some results these last few races."


BBC Sport Report


Quite a few big name moves in Moto GP, but spose this one was Mainly instigated by Melandri's Move to Kawasaki...


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