 Hayden finished eighth in the MotoGP standings |
American Nicky Hayden has re-signed with Repsol Honda for a further two years, but the MotoGP team has axed Alex Barros after just one season. Hayden, who was rookie of the year in 2003, said: "I'm under no illusions.
"It's not going to be easy but Honda are building a new team around me for 2005 and I'm going all out to reach my full potential.
"I'd like to say a big thanks to all the guys who have helped me so much over the last few years."
Honda boss Satoru Horiike said the team viewed Hayden as a future MotoGP champion.
"He still has a lot to learn and we propose to put everything in place to give him every chance of success," said Horiike.
"The past two years have been a good experience for Nicky.
"He has learnt the tracks and learnt about MotoGP and we want to teach him to win and to make a habit of it."
Horiike added that it had been a pleasure to work with Barros but that he had not performed to expectations in 2004.
"He has put everything into this year and sadly has not had much to celebrate," said Horiike.
"We at Honda need to be fighting at the front of the pack on a regular basis and will be announcing a replacement and new team-mate for Hayden in the near future."
MMIX
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