Nicky Hayden has signed a new two-year deal with HRC, ending speculation that he would defect to either Ducati or Yamaha. The MotoGP points leader signed his third MotoGP contract with Honda at Motegi today, which means he will get to ride Honda’s new 800cc MotoGP bike, believed to be a narrow-angle V4, at the track on Monday, following the Japanese GP. “I’ve been a Honda guy for a long while, they brought me into MotoGP, so it’s an honor to be on their factory team for another two years,” said Hayden. HRC President Suguru Kanazawa said he was delighted with Hayden’s decision to stay. Asked why he thought Hayden won’t race for Ducati or Yamaha in 2007, Kanazawa smiled and said, “Nicky, he understands very well.” More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing: Nicky Hayden will continue to ride for the Repsol Honda Team in MotoGP next season having signed a new two-year deal with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) at the Grand Prix of Japan. The talented 25-year-old American, who leads the riders’ world championship, put pen to paper at the Motegi circuit today to extend a partnership with the factory Honda team that began in his rookie season in 2003. The agreement ensures Repsol Honda retains its strong rider line-up for next year, with Hayden once again joined in the garage by young Spaniard Dani Pedrosa. Today’s announcement also guarantees important stability as MotoGP enters an exciting new era with the new 800cc rules coming into effect in 2007. Nicky Hayden: “It’s an honor to be with the HRC factory team for another two years in MotoGP it doesn’t get a lot better than that so I’m really excited and really happy. Everything came together and I’m happy with the deal and I’m happy with HRC. I feel like I took a big step forward this year and I feel that I’m still climbing up the learning curve so I don’t want change anything. I want to keep learning, continue growing and keep this momentum going into next year. I’m really happy with the team around me, we’re all clicking and working well together. I’ve been a Honda guy for quite a few years and they’re the ones who brought me over to MotoGP and now I just want to repay them with the championship.” Tsutomu Ishii HRC General Manager : “Honda and HRC are very pleased that Nicky will remain with the Repsol Honda Team for two more years. Nicky has been with us for four seasons and during that time he has evolved and continually improved. His results this year have been excellent and he has led the world championship for much of the season. The feeling within the team is very strong at the moment and this season Nicky and Dani Pedrosa have established a positive relationship. As MotoGP enters the new 800cc era it is important for the Repsol Honda Team to enjoy this stability, not only with the rider line-up but also with our sponsors and partners.”