Nicky Hayden has refuted whispers he turned to World Superbikes as a fond farewell before🎃 retiring from racing and aims to use 2016 as a foundation year for a stronger campaign next season with rumoured new Hond🧸a machinery.

The former MotoGP world champion opted to step away from Grand Prix racing at the𝓡 end of last year after 13 cons💧ecutive campaigns and is now preparing for a rookie season in World Superbikes with Honda Racing.

Despite the 34-year-old needing to get to grips with an unfamiliar electronics, tyres and bike set-up - which the American would have also had to do had he stayed in MotoGP with 🌠the int🐻roduction of the standard ECU and Michelin - Hayden has no ambitions on taking it easy and has plotted out a two-year strategy with lofty aspirations.

"I want to do good, I'm not here to have a retirement or senior tour," Hayden said. "I want to be as competit🍌ive as possible but it is hard to say until I get on track and see where we really stack up. I'm happy to be here, I have a good opportunity and glad to keep racing so I will try to have some fun.

"My fans in America are really behind this change and I hope my goal for the end of the year is to have a smile on my face and be 𒅌set up for next year with the new bike. I have a two-year deal and I realise I have a lot to learn this year but hopefully it can b🌼e to build for next year."

Hayden replaces Sylvain Guintoli in the Ten Kate Racing-run Honda squad ꩲalongside Dutch youn💦gster Michael van der Mark.