Former MotoGP World Champion, Nicky Hayden will join Honda in World Superbikes in 2016, after making a decision to leave the MotoGP paddock after twelve years.
The American will partner young Dutch talent, Michael Van Der Mark on the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Hayden has been riding in MotoGP since 2003 when he joined the Repsol Honda team and the 34-year-old has since gone on to start more than 200 Grand Prix's, scoring 28 podiums and taking three wins. He won the MotoGP title with Honda back in 2006.
Hayden is looking forward to continuing his racing career with Honda in the World Superbike Championship. Ultimate success in the series would make him the first rider to win both MotoGP and World Superbike titles.
"Well, my next stop is Superbike with Honda. I’m very excited, obviously, to stick with Honda; it’s where I’ve had the most success in my career. World Superbikes is a championship that I followed closely as a kid when a lot of American riders were fighting at the front. It just seems like the right time and the right team to go with," said Hayden.
"I know I’ve got a lot to learn and it’s going to be a big challenge, but also I’m very motivated to start and learn what I can. I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has supported me through my MotoGP career. We had a good run but now it’s time to move on and try something different."
