Hayden re-signs

America's Nicky Hayden has re-signed with Ducati for the next two MotoGP seasons, pairing him with reigning world champion Valentino Rossi.

Hayden joined the Italian outfit for the 2009 MotoGP season after a six-year association with Honda where he won a world championship in 2006.

"I am very proud to be signing for Ducati again," Hayden said.

"Last year I felt like I rode for Ducati but now I really feel as if I am a Ducati rider."

Although out of contention for this year's world championship the 29-year-old is elated to team-up with seven-time champion Rossi.

"Next year I'll be teamed with some guy named Rossi who knows a little something about bikes," he said.

"We're going to have a strong squad - I won't predict results but I have no doubt this team will have some real passion, real worth ethic and a lot of fun."

"It is the start of a new era at Ducati and it is an honour for me to be a part of it."

Rossi, the man Hayden pipped for the 2006 crown, announced this month he would end his seven-year relationship with the Yamaha team to join Ducati in 2011, while current Ducati rider and 2007 world champion Casey Stoner will be moving to Honda.