Hayden will ride alongside Rossi

Sources inside the MotoGP paddock are saying that reigning AMA Superbike champion Nicky Hayden has signed to ride a Honda RCV in 2003, possibly alongside Valentino Rossi in the Repsol/HRC squad.

Hayden, who won the American domestic series for Honda on an SP-2, was in the frame to partner Carlos Checa on a Yamaha M1 but had a change of heart at the last moment.

An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

You can read more about who’s going to be riding for whom, and where, in the September 18 issue of MCN.