JIR Scot Honda target Nicky Hayden

Despite intense rumours that Nicky Hayden has already penned a deal with Ducati’s factory squad, JIR Scot Honda bosses want the American in 2009 in a swap deal with current rider Andrea Dovizioso.

Virtually resigned at losing former world 125 champion Dovizoso to the Repsol-backed factory team, JIR Scot Honda boss Gianluca Montiron wants Hayden in return, even though he is certain to join reigning world champion Casey Stoner at Ducati.

Montiron will submit his proposals for 2009 to Honda management at the end of July, with another aim to persuade HRC to run a third factory RC212V outside of the official team that currently runs Dani Pedrosa and Hayden.

HRC operated the same policy in 2004 with Sete Gibernau and Fausto Gresini’s squad and a repeat would allow Montiron to hold onto prize asset Dovizioso.

“This team was created to work with a young rider for the next three or four years. That plan includes Andrea. I am talking with Honda and a third factory bike might be an option. Why not?

“This could be a way for me to keep Andrea and Honda gets him on a factory bike without moving him. If this doesn’t happen then I would like Nicky in return, “said Montiron.