Hayden to world superbikes in 2016
The 2006 MotoGP world champion will make the switch to the production-based series, replacing the Yamaha-bound Sylvain Guintoli -- and Aussies will be the first to see him in action!American Nicky Hayden has become one of the highest profile riders to make the switch from MotoGP to world superbike, following today's announcement that he will ride a Honda in the 2016 championship.
The 2006 MotoGP world champion says "it's the right time" to make the switch to the production-based series, and he will make his debut at Australia's Phillip Island from February 26-28.
"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," said Hayden. "World superbike is a championship that I followed closely as a kid when a lot of American riders were fighting at the front.
"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."
Hayden will replace the Yamaha-bound Sylvain Guintoli in the Dutch-based Ten Kate Honda team, with Michael van der Mark to be his teammate.
Hayden has been riding in MotoGP since 2003 when he joined the Repsol Honda team and the 34-year-old American has since gone on to start more than 200 grands prix, scoring 28 podiums and taking three wins. He won the MotoGP title with Honda in 2006.
His strong flat-track racing pedigree, which began at the age of three, eventually led him into road racing and the young Hayden turned professional on his 16th birthday, halfway through the 1997 season. He won the AMA Supersport series with Honda two years later before turning to AMA Superbike in 2000. He became the youngest ever AMA Superbike champion, taking Honda’s VTR1000SP (RC51) to victory in 2002 at the age of 21.
Ultimate success in his new environment would make him the first rider to win both MotoGP and WSBK titles.
Hayden still has four MotoGP races before waving goodbye, with the valedictory parade to begin at Motegi this weekend, followed by Phillip Island, Sepang and Valencia.
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