Ducati may have opted not to retain Nicky Hayden within its factory MotoGP team next year, but the Italian factory is still trying to keep the American 'in the family'.

The 2006 world champion for Honda, Hayden has raced for Ducati since 2009, claiming three podiums and a best of seventh in the world championship.

However, Casey Stoner aside, Hayden's results have been similar to his other Ducati team-mates and the 'Kentucky Kid' could yet remain with the brand in a non-factory MotoGP team or by switching to World Superbikes.

Ducati MotoGP Project Director Paolo Ciabatti told the official MotoGP website: "We are trying to see if Nicky can stay with us in a different role, maybe in MotoGP or maybe in Superbikes. We are working with him to try and keep him in the Ducati family."

Ducati sells more motorcycles in the USA than any other country, while MotoGP currently has three American-based events. Hayden's 2014 factory replacement, who will ride alongside Andrea Dovizioso, is yet to be announced.

Hayden is one of three MotoGP champions on the 2013 grid, alongside former team-mate Valentino Rossi and Yamaha's reigning title holder Jorge Lorenzo.

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