Ponder this...Hayden to Ducati!!!!

There is a rumour which is gaining a lot of momentum in the U.S.A that Nicky has already signed for Ducati next season! Ridiculous I here you scream? Not really perhaps.

Remember he was so close to signing for them before winning his title in 2006. He did though eventually show maybe loyalty beyond what was called for and remained with Big Red.

This is the time of the season that next years rider line up's are looked at and plans drawn up. No matter what public displays of patience Ducati give towards Marco,they have to be mortified at his performances.What was in many peoples minds the "Dream Team" line up,has gone just so badly.

Marco will need to hold his hands up fast and simply state.."I cannot ride this thing" and save face and reputation whilst he can. Time is not on his side if he wishes to manage the situation well, with so many excellent young guns in the 250's and other newcomers who would jump at the Ducati ride.

Ducati like Nicky, he like his work ethic and his attitude and constant striving to make the best of what he has. I think that the bucking bronco GP9 bike could be a Godsend for Nicky who is so much happier on a bike that feels "alive."

What you reckon guys? Nicky to Ducati as likely as a BJ from Her Maj or a very sensible possibility?

I'd say it is entirely possible.

One thing is for sure is that Melandri WONT be riding Ducati next year. He'll be lucky if he finishes the season.

Straight swap may do them both good!

Seems like a good swap to me. Melandri may well struggle to get a factory ride next year though until he proves himself again. Dovidoso to Repsol Honda next year I reckon (unless he has a long contract I didn't know about).

Would love to see Haydon being competitive again!

I wonder if Haydon would struggle with Ducati as Melandri has? Melandri was quite exciting to watch as a Honda rider, he would "back it in" every so often, get it smoking up on corner exits... give him a bike that appears to be a bit of a handful and he struggles

I cant see Melandri landing a decent ride for next season, as for Haydon if he does go to Ducati maybe it would give him a new lease of life?? Or would he struggle and claim its built for Stoner, as has been claimed he said about the Honda?

Time will tell....

I think the fact that the Ducati is something of a wild machine to get the best out of, Nicky would thrive and thoroughly enjoy riding it.No question at all in my mind on that.

Weird, I was saying this the other day. Good move for Ducati, 2 world champions in one team.

Bumping an old thread, sorry. Crash.net report that Haydon will be leaving HRC for Ducati for '09.