Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner remember Nicky Hayden

The news of the premature loss of Nicky Hayden (who died yesterday due to the consequences of an impact with a car while training with his bike near Misano Adriatico, last Wednesday) has profoundly affected the entire paddock community and all its fellow pilots. This is how they wanted to remember Andrea Dovizioso, who was a teammate of the American champion in Ducati in 2013, Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner, teaming with Hayden in the Ducati Team for two seasons in 2009 and 2010.

“I met Nicky when he arrived in the world championship from the USA in 2003. He was an open, nice and calm boy, always friendly with everyone and a true motorbike enthusiast who managed to obtain very important results – said Andrea Dovizioso – In those years spent in Ducati he had established a wonderful relationship with everyone and, although I only had the chance to race with him in the same team in 2013, he was an excellent teammate for me and I have wonderful memories of him. The reality is that we all loved Nicky and will miss him dearly."

Jorge Lorenzo, who had Hayden as a sporting opponent for eight seasons in MotoGP, until the American rider moved up to the Superbike Championship in 2016, commented: “It's very sad news. Unfortunately, I knew that the situation after the accident was very serious, but the news of his passing really shocked me and I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends. The entire MotoGP paddock loved Nicky, because he was a special boy, always cheerful and full of positive energy."

“I met Nicky even before we started racing together in the same team, when I was racing in 125 and 250. It was always nice to have a chat with him and we were excellent teammates – added Casey Stoner – he always had a positive attitude even when things weren't going well, and I will miss him dearly. We all loved him: Nicky always gave his all in his sporting career and was very close to his family, demonstrating the special person he was."