Honda have confirmed former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden will leave the team at the end of the current season.

The Repsol Honda rider, who won the world title in 2006, announced his decision to leave Japanese manufacturer on Monday.

"We are really happy to have Nicky join us," said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse CEO. "We are certain that his never-say-die attitude, riding style and character will be great additions to our team in 2009."

Hayden will take part in a Ducati test straight after the final MotoGP round of the season which takes place at Valencia on October 26.

Domenicali added: "I would like to thank HRC for allowing Nicky to start testing our bike immediately after the Valencia Grand Prix.

"I would also like to thank Marco Melandri for his professionalism during a difficult year, which was below all our expectations.

"Unfortunately his feeling with the Desmosedici was never good enough to allow him to ride as well as he can. We wish him all the best for the future."