Outgoing Ducati Corse rider Nicky Hayden could possibly astride a Honda production race bike next season.
With Aspar team boss Jorge Martinez’ move to run two of the five Honda RCV1000R production race machines available next year, Hayden would most likely take up an offer from the outfit. The team’s current rider Randy de Puniet is most certain to take on the role of full-time tester for the returning Suzuki outfit and return with them in 2015. Many believe Hayden could take up this vacant Aspar seat next season. Not a stranger with Honda, Hayden won his sole MotoGP world championship back in 2006 riding the red wing marque’s machine.
However, Martinez has been reported to be in talks with several other riders as well including Hiroshi Aoyama and Yonny Hernandez. Outgoing Aprilia team manager Luigi Dall’Igna – bound for Ducati next season – on the other hand has recommended Eugene Laverty to Martinez as well.
The Aspar team could make an announcement of its 2014 plans sometime this week. More details regarding its riders line up, and perhaps the confirmation of Nicky Hayden’s 2014 seat, could be confirmed by then.
