MotoGPMatters has reported that Ducati team manager Livio Suppo has spoken of Hayden’s results as “disappointing” during an interview with German website, Motorsport-Total.com.

Suppo also stated bluntly that he did not believe that Nicky Hayden was the answer to their problems. “Nicky’s results are disappointing, he is below our expectations of him,” Suppo said. But the Ducati factory team boss also pointed out that Hayden was making progress. “He was sixth in Brno, which is very good – especially when you realize that his lap times were almost good enough to be on the podium. Now we will wait and see what happens at Indianapolis, last year he did a good job. We will watch what happens and take it from there.”

Suppo refused to be drawn on whether Ducati would be exercising the option the factory has on Nicky Hayden this weekend. “I cannot tell you anything more. Not because I don’t want to, but because quite simply there is nothing to tell,” he told the German website.

While yes, Hayden’s results haven’t been close to Stoner’s, he has shown signs of improvement, and I don’t know why Suppo feels the need to “blast” his riders in public. Considering what Melandri went through last year, and Capirossi’s results in 2007 may have included a shock victory, none of their riders besides Stoner have ever really got the Ducati working for them. Yet they still feel that because Stoner can win on the bike, the second rider’s performance is not worthy and they replace him for another rider all for history to repeat itself again…

Also, seeing as Lorenzo turned down a massive sum of money from Ducati to stay with his Fiat Yamaha team, and Capirossi chose to stay with his Suzuki team instead of returning, Ducati are going to be pretty hard pressed to find a new rider if they feel Hayden isn’t part of their 2010 plans. Pedrosa may be “talking” with the team, but whether that bears fruition is anybody’s guess.