PRESS INFORMATION

MICHELIN MOURNS THE PASSING OF A MOTOGP LEGEND

It is with deep regret and heartfelt condolences that marks the untimely death of former MotoGP™ World Champion Nicky Hayden.

The 35-year-old from Owensboro, Kentucky in America was cycling near the Misano World Circuit in on Wednesday 17th May when he was involved in a collision with a car. He was treated at the scene and taken to the local hospital before being transferred to Bufalini Hospital in Cesena. Following examinations the initial diagnosis said Hayden had suffered serious cerebral damage and polytrauma. Unfortunately he succumbed to those injuries on Monday evening, local time, with his mother Rose, brother Tommy and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie at his bedside.

Hayden joined the MotoGP paddock in 2003 on a Michelin-shod following flat-track and road-racing circuit success in America. It was this footing that led him to taking the ultimate motorcycling prize when he won the 2006 World Championship, an honour which also confirmed his place in Michelin's history as the final World Champion for the French company prior to the single tyre rule. It was also this victory that led to 'The Kentucky Kid' - as he was affectionately known - being inducted into the MotoGP Legends in 2015.

The news of Hayden's death sent shockwaves through the racing community and transcends beyond that arena of sport. Michelin sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and current racing team, the Honda World Superbike team in WSBK. He was a true competitor, a friendly and likeable human being and will be sorely missed in paddocks around the world.

Nicholas 'Nicky' Patrick Hayden 1981-2017 a MotoGP legend taken too early #RideOnKentuckyKid

Pascal Couasnon – Director of Michelin Motorsport:

"We are all shocked and saddened by the news that Nicky has died. He was a great competitor, a true champion and a very warm and friendly person. Michelin was honoured to work with him in MotoGP and his World Championship in 2006 has a special place in the company's history. He will be a big loss to motorcycle racing, his family and friends. On behalf of everyone at Michelin, and from me personally, we send our sincere condolences."

Tim Walpole – [email protected] – Phone: +44.7976.397.265 Alessandro Barlozzi – [email protected] – Phone: +33.6.42.23.55.93