Ducati’s Nicky Hayden has admitted he could be “in the doghouse” for ruining the launch of his team’s new bike by posting pictures of it on his website.The 2006 world champion visited the team’s factory for a glimpse of the 2010 MotoGP bike but did not realise the design was meant to be a secret. The bike was to be unveiled this week at an Italian motorsport convention. Hayden said: “When I saw the bike I took a picture on my phone. I should have known better, I was like a kid.” The 28-year-old, who finished 13th in his first season with Ducati, said he was happy with the bike and did not believe the departure of team principal Livio Suppo would adversely affect Ducati’s season. “I like the bike, while another off-season with the team will be a big help for me,” he said. “Sure the bike is good and we have a strong package for 2010. There’s been a few changes in the team. With changes you have big opportunities.” Hayden’s only worry is the enforced use of fewer engines this season in a further bid for MotoGP to cut costs. “Six engines is not a lot for 18 races. I hope it saves some money but I’m not sure how much it is going to save because it takes a lot of development to make them last,” he added. Meanwhile, Hayden’s team-mate, 2007 world champion Casey Stoner, said he was free of injury and illness after he was forced to miss three races last season because of a mystery ailment which was eventually diagnosed as lactose intolerance. “Blood tests showed I was OK for a normal person,” said the Australian. “No one was listening to me so I don’t believe I have to answer any questions. It’s the first off-season in three years I’ve not had an injury.” Print Sponsor Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

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