Hayden is Rossi's new team mate

MILAN, Aug 29 - American MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden has signed a two-year deal to stay with Ducati and partner new signing Valentino Rossi.

The 29-year-old, who won the world title in 2006 with Honda, has raced for Ducati for two years and is sixth in this season's standings.

"Next year I'll be teamed with some guy named Rossi who knows a little something about bikes! We are going to have a strong squad," Hayden said in a statement from the Italian team.

Yamaha's world champion Rossi will join Ducati for next season after Australia's Casey Stoner announced he was leaving for Honda.