Ducati is rumoured to have completed its first rider signing for the 2013 MotoGP ♋season, in the form of a contract extens𝓰ion for Nicky Hayden.

Hayden, the 2006 world champion with Honda, has beಌen a Factorꦿy Ducati rider since 2009.

Although he hasn't won a race since his championship season, Hayden scored just seven points less🍒 than team-mate and seven time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi last year.

The American's place had looked under threat from Ducati's interest in Cal Crutchlow, but GPOne.com says that Hayden has ♈got the nod and could be officially announced as a 2013 rider during his home US GP at Laguna Seca this weekeℱnd.

The sudden movement on a Hayden deal will be seen by some as a reaction to the possibility that Rossi will leave the team. On the other hand, Hayden is likely to be Rossi's favoured team-mate🍎...