Nicky Hayden has signed another year's contract with Ducati in MotoGP and will remain with the team until the end of 2013 but it is still far from clear who his team-mate will be next season.

A month ago, the American looked set to lose the ride but movements behind the scenes have secured a year's extension on the deal.

“I’m very happy that I’ll be back with Ducati and back in MotoGP, racing at the highest level for a very important team. I love the guys I work with, I love the Ducati fans, and I love the brand. This is an important time for Ducati in a number of ways, and I’m excited that I’ll continue to be a part of it," said Hayden.

"I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business here, and hopefully we can get all the pieces into place and reap the rewards of the hard work we’ve put in the last couple of years. It’s nice to be able to make this announcement at Laguna and to share the moment with my fans, friends and family. If I can do a good result on Sunday, it could make for a pretty special birthday weekend.”