Nicky Hayden's second wrist operation is likely to spur further speculation about his future, but speaking just before heading for surgery the former world champ🔜ion was adamant that he will remain i✃n MotoGP with the Drive M7 Aspar team next season.

"Some of the press have just been starting rumours and it's got🐲ten to be a bit comical and there's no truth with me going to World Superbikes," Hayden said at the Sa꧋chsenring.

"A few races ago I had to dispel the rumour that I was retiring [because of his wrist] and now it's the rumour about going to Supeꦫrbikes, but it's never bee🍒n discussed.

"I've a two-year deal with Aspar and - like I've said many times before - I like this team, we've got good sponsors and next year we're supposed to be getting an up♉graded bike from Honda.

"I don't know how to say it more clearly, but this is a two-year contracಞt and my plan is to stay here and we haven't spoken of anything different."

Next year's Open class Honda is expected to feature✅ pneumatic valves to help address its present lack of engine performancﷺe.

Hayden, who posted the following image on Twitter this morning, has until August 8-10 to regain fitness for his second and fin🎉al home US event of the year, at Indianapolis.