Ducati drop Hayden for 2014
Hayden, who won at Laguna Seca back in 2005 and 2006 (while with Repsol Honda), hasn't won a race since joining Ducati in 2009, which was no doubt factor in the Italian team choosing not to resign him for next year.
The 31-year-old from Kentucky, while admitting that his future in MotoGP is unconfirmed, stated that he would like to stay in MotoGP and hinted at some "options" in his riding future.
"The first couple of years here went to plan, and especially the first year was a dream. We're not coming here in our best moment, but hope to do something good before the summer break.
"I'm not coming back to Ducati in MotoGP next year - I'm not really sure what I'm going to do. I've got some options that are interesting."
When pushed about whether his options are in the premier-class or other championships, Hayden joked: "I'm not sure Repsol Honda's going to come and knock on my door. Of course MotoGP is where my heart is, but I've got to weight up the options. Unfortunately results haven't gone as planned over the years, but it is what it is."
Since he joined the Ducati MotoGP team in 2009 (after winning the World Championship with Repsol Honda in 2006), Hayden has not won a race on the Desmosedici, his best result being a number of third place finishes, achieved at Indianapolis (2009), Aragon (2010) and Jerez (2011).
Ahead of this weekend's Red Bull US Grand Prix, Hayden sits in ninth place in the championship with 57 points. Repsol Honda's rookie sensation currently leads the championship with 138 points from Dani Pedrosa (136) and Jorge Lorenzo (127). Both Lorenzo and Pedrosa are injured, but have confirmed they will be attempting to race this weekend.
While Andrea Dovizioso will be staying with the Ducati squad for 2014, Hayden's replacement has yet to be confirmed.
image: motogp.com