On some teams, for a rider to run an American flag motif it would take endless meetings and signatures. At Ducati someone brought it up and Ducati said, 'Sure'. image: thanks, scalera

American Nick Hayden is currently lapping on the Ducati MotoGP bike this morning in Spain. Hayden, the 2006 world champion in the MotoGP class, rode his last race for Honda yesterday and has switched camps for the 2009 season.

Hayden will team with Casey Stoner on the Marlboro Ducati team next season, giving Ducati the enviable position of having two ex-world champions on their team.

The Valencia test is expected to last two days.