Ducati has confirmed today that Nicky Hayden has signed a one-year extension to his contract to continue alongside Casey Stoner in 2010.

Although the American has been less than at par with Casey Stoner thru the season, a recent return to form has probably saved his seat for another year, or is it the only explanation?

Was Hayden the Italian bike manufacturer’s first choice? Hard to say since Ducati had been openly courting some of the most talented riders in MotoGP; Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa.

In the first case, Lorenzo has decided to stay put at the Fiat Yamaha team but only for another year, the Spaniard wanting to leave all his options open in the case either Valentino Rossi or Casey Stoner decided to change their surroundings at the end of 2010.

Rossi is still believed to be interested in Formula One, especially if Ferrari can put three cars on the starting grid while Casey Stoner’s health has been a source of uncertainty for the team.

As for Pedrosa, although the Repsol Honda rider had downplayed the Ducati rumours at first, he clearly indicated to Motosprint magazine recently that he was considering an offer from them.

To many observers, like me, the offers made to Lorenzo, then to Pedrosa, has more to do with Stoner’s future than the poor performances of Hayden, as it is hard to believe that, considering the size of Pedrosa’s ego, this Spaniard would willingly accept the role of second fiddle in a team devoted to the Australian star.

Never mind the fact that he and Hayden were not on good terms when they were both at Repsol Honda, where the team and the sponsor wanted Pedrosa to win the Championship, but Hayden took it away from them. Seeing the two of them together again at Ducati would be quite a show, that’s for sure!

I would not be surprised then if Pedrosa would sign only a contract extension with Honda, so that he may be available, as will be Lorenzo next year when port comes to call………




Photo Credit : MotoGP