Ducati Marlboro team boss Livio Suppo has admitted that this weekend's MotoGP race in Laguna Seca will probably be the last chance for Marco Melandri to prove that he deserves to stay with the team until the end of the season.

While the team is still supporting the Italian, they've also confirmed that Sete Giberneau is scheduled to take part in his third test for Ducati at Mugello at the end of the month. Many observers believe that the U.S. Red Bull Grand Prix, unless a remarkable performance, will be Melandri's last race.

Meanwhile, former world champion Nicky Hayden has confirmed that he is already in talks with the Ducati team to join them in 2009.