Ducati has announced that they have exercised their option and extended Nicky Hayden’s contract for 2010. Nicky has finished in the top 8 for the last 6 rounds finally gracing the podium at last weekend’s Indianapolis MotoGP.

Nicky’s podium was instrumental in his achievement of a second season in the factory team despite the company actively campaigning for other tier one riders such as Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa.

«The confirmation of Nicky is the right reward to a rider who has shown to perfectly embody the frame of mind that characterises Ducati – Passion, Determination and Commitment.» said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Motor Holding general manager. «We have always considered Nicky to be an important asset to the Ducati 2010 strategy and we are very happy that he will remain in the Ducati Marlboro Team.»

link: Crash.net