Hayden to Ducati… Sure Sounds Like It

As the old expression goes, “where there’s smoke there’s fire”… Apparently during a pre-event press conference at the Indianapolis Grand Prix, Nicky Hayden more or less confirmed his rumored switch to the Ducati Moto GP team next season, saying,

It’s no secret. Everybody knows where my next stop is going to be, but officially we’re waiting to do it the right way, until the releases come out, because there’s teams and stuff. (via Road Racing World)

Usually I don’t comment that much on Moto GP madness - that’s better left to sites such as MotoGPMatters.com, who dedicate their lives to it and do a smashing job - but in this case, I’ve got to say I’m greatly looking forward to seeing what Nicky can do with a Desmosedici.

At this point in time only a handful of folks seem capable of riding the machine to its limit (as opposed to say Marco Melandri) and after years of being tormented by Honda, much like Valentino Rossi was towards the end of his Honda career, I just wonder if moving on isn’t the best thing for Hayden. The bike seems to suit his style imho and more over I can’t help but wonder if we’re witnessing a modern day Hailwood moment in the making (i.e. his 2nd go-around with Ducati) - could Nicky be the next great rider who later on in his career moves to Ducati and sees success? Certainly would be fun to see…