World Superbike switch for Hayden?

Ducati's Nicky Hayden has confirmed he is being hunted by World Superbike teams and said he is interested in the series if options to stay in MotoGP run out and he can ride for a factory team.

Hayden hasn't been told one way or another if there is a place for him with Ducati in MotoGP but confirmed he hadn't spoken to the factory about taking a ride on the Alstare Panigale if nothing was forthcoming in the blue riband class.

"I have had some contact from Superbike teams and I am interested in it. Of course, I would prefer to stay in MotoGP with the right bike, right team but at the moment it doesn't look so good. I want to keep racing so I have to look somewhere else," said Hayden, speaking at the Sachsenring.

"I just have to see what my options are and take the one I feel best about. My first choice would be to stay in MotoGP and stay on a prototype bike. I still believe I can run at the front, seeing Valentino winning last week only confirmed that. I haven't been told there isn't a place for me at Ducati but I haven't had much feedback the other way either."

Hayden was asked whether he had considered riding one of the production Hondas that will be available next year, to which he said: v"Every situation is different, we don't know the potential of the production bikes and it would depends on what team and support level. If it was good, I would consider it." 

By David Miller

Image by Bonnie Lane