Nicky Hayden will not feature in the make-up of Ducati’s 2014 factory team. Image: MotoGP.com.

2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden will be shown the door by Ducati at the conclusion of a difficult five-year tenure with the Italian brand.

Speculation was rife about the American’s future at the Sachsenring, and Hayden confirmed the exit at today’s pre-race press conference, accepting the lacklustre showing on the at times uncompetitive bike has resulted in the split.

“Definitely there is not a future,” said Hayden. “I’m not coming back to Ducati in MotoGP as they chose to go in a different way, that we know.

“I really don’t know my future to be honest. I have a couple of things going, some interesting stuff. For me in MotoGP it doesn’t look so good. I don’t really know with the new bikes and new rules what the possibilities will be.”

Hayden fronted the brand’s public battle for results over the past few seasons, a struggle highlighted by the plight of fellow world champion Valentino Rossi who fought for consistency across a pair of difficult seasons.

The likeable American appeared to have accepted the decision with humility and is already looking to secure a short-term future in the top level of motorcycle racing, whether it be in the MotoGP paddock or a sidestep to World Superbikes, as rumour suggests.

“I still love racing bikes and think I still have a lot to give so I’ll try to find a new home and see what’s left,” he added. “It’s not the perfect situation but it is what it is. I have to try to land on my feet and make do with it.

“[MotoGP] is where my heart is. But I don’t want to just stay here on a bike and run around and try to get a point here or there. I’ll take in all the options and weigh them out and see which one I’m most excited about.

“I’m not sure Repsol’s [Honda] going to come knocking on my door today for one of those spots, so it’s difficult. There’s only so many seats in MotoGP. We know there’s 12 official bikes, and most of them are spoken for.”

From 76 starts aboard factory Ducati machinery Hayden only scored three podium finishes – all third places – with his most recent coming in 2011.

“Unfortunately these results haven’t been what we have wanted,” he said. “Nobody likes to get sacked but we’ll see what happens. That’s next.”

Ducati will retain Andrea Dovizioso for 2014 as per terms of his contract. A replacement rider is yet to be named, though those in the frame include current Moto2 points leader Scott Redding and leading Yamaha satellite rider Cal Crutchlow.