Despite being winless since the change from 990cc to 800cc machinery, Hayden insists he hasn't lost faith in his ability - and his first goal is a simple one; to get back to his 2006 form.

"As far as my expectations for the season are concerned, I still have a lot of faith in myself and in what I'm capable of," he declared. "The first objective is to get back to the same level I was at in 2006, challenging consistently for the podium and trying to start winning races again."

Hayden will make his track debut in full Ducati colours during the first test of 2009, to be held at Sepang in Malaysia from February 5-7.