Hayden: Rossi arrival won’t change anything

Nicky Hayden has stated that Valentino Rossi's arrival at Ducati this season will not modify his own approach to racing, with the 2006 title winner having joined the Italian team in 2009 and his new teammate now replacing the departed Casey Stoner.

The new signing marks the reuniting of Hayden and Rossi, who also competed together at Honda in 2003. “It shouldn’t change our approach on my side," the American commented at this week's Wrooom skiing event in north-east Italy.

“It’s true the whole Rossi-mania thing will be different, but we’ve been team-mates before and know how it works. It won’t be a negative, I’ll be looking on the positive side.

“He brings a lot of experience and knowledge with his people and it seems some of the things we’re requesting are along the same lines, which is good for all of us – we've always got along well. The mentality of Ducati is a team one, it really is a family throughout and I think that’s an advantage."