Marlbo Ducati have this afternoon confirmed that Nicky Hayden will remain with the MotoGP for 2010 team after signing a one-year extension to his existing contract.

The 2006 MotoGP World Champion looks set to partner Casey Stoner in the squad and hopes to continue his run of good results on the Desmosedici GP9 he has seen over the past few races.

“This has been a very good week and this news just adds to that. After the good result in Indy, now to renew the deal with Ducati is exactly what I wanted. I’m very happy," said Hayden.

"I always had faith and believed that we could achieve good results. I’m excited for these last five races of the 09 season, and if you look at the progression we have made from the start of the season to the middle, hopefully we will continue this through to the end."

“The confirmation of Nicky is the right reward to a rider who has shown to perfectly embody the frame of mind that characterizes 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. His progression through the season has been constant up to the podium in Indianapolis and we are certain that the experience he has gained will be decisive for a 2010 season full of success.”