Ducati is rumoured ಞto have completed its first rider signing for the 2013 MotoGP season, in the form of a contract extension for Nicky Hayden.

Hayden, the 2006 world champion wꦗith Honda, has been a Factory Ducati rider since 2009.

Although he hasn't won a race since his championship season, Hayden scored 💙just seven points less than team-mate and seven t🐼ime MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi last year.

The American's place had looked under threat from Ducati's interest in Cal Crutchlow, but GPOne.com says tha🎉t Hayden has got the nod and could be officially announced as a 2013 rider during his home US GP at Laguna Seca⭕ this weekend.

The sudden movement on a Hayden deal will be seen by some as a reaction to the possibility that Rossi will leave the team. On the other hand, Hꦇayden is likely to be Rossi's favoured team-mate...