Crash.net have reported that Ducati is not the only option for Nicky in 2010, with our favourite Kentuckian adding that he has “a few good options” for 2010.

Shortly after claiming his best dry qualifying performance of the season, Nicky Hayden indicated that Ducati Marlboro is not his only ‘good option’ for the 2010 MotoGP season.

Hayden is still waiting to hear if he will be retained by the factory Ducati team for 2010, but has done his chances no harm by being the top Desmosedici rider in all three sessions so far at Indianapolis, en route to sixth on the grid.

“I’ve been in years like this before,” Hayden said of his present contract situation. “I try to block it out and let the managers handle the thing. I got a couple of good options. I don’t know if I will be here in this [Ducati Marlboro] garage next year. But regardless, I feel pretty confident that I will have a good package.”

Ducati has an option on Hayden’s services until next weekend’s Misano round, but the Italian factory’s (unsuccessful) big-money quest to secure Jorge Lorenzo – plus rumours of discussions with yet-to-sign Dani Pedrosa – have left Hayden, and even absent team leader Casey Stoner, looking vulnerable.

With Fiat Yamaha having completed its factory line-up, and Honda intent on retaining Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso, Hayden’s ‘good options’ may include Tech 3 Yamaha or a switch to another Ducati team, perhaps with full factory backing.

Regardless, a repeat of last year’s Indy podium would surely convince Ducati to give the 2006 world champion a second season at the factory team…

While I think Ducati would be stupid not to keep him around for a second season, the ball is really in Hayden’s court. Ducati have failed at courting Jorge Lorenzo and now may be in talks with Pedrosa, so Hayden’s place in the team is not assured (and if you believe the rumours, Casey Stoner might not be either!). Ducati Team Manager, Livio Suppo, recently spoke of his disappointment with Hayden’s results, so it seems as though he could be on shaky ground.

Tech 3 Yamaha would be a good option, as the satellite Yam (in the right hands) is capable of beating rival factory contenders on a regular basis. The Yamaha also seems to be able to suit a broader range of riding styles compared with the Ducati. However, Colin Edwards has had a standout season onboard the bike, and looks set to continue with the team, meaning that two Americans in the same team probably won’t be good on the marketing side.

All shall probably be revealed next week at Misano, when Ducati will decide whether or not Hayden will remain with the team. Smart money says he’ll stay, but regardless, he’s probably assured of having a seat in MotoGP in 2010 in some form or another.