American Nicky Hayden will have to make amends on the track after admitting yesterday he had ruined the launch of Ducati's new MotoGP bike by posting pictures of it on his own website.

The 2006 world champion, who finished a lowly 13th last season, visited the factory for an early glimpse of the 2010 bike but did not realise the design was meant to be secret.

The GP10 was supposed to be unveiled this week at an Italian motorsport convention in the mountains, where Fernando Alonso will also meet the media for the first time as a Ferrari Formula One driver tomorrow.

"When I saw the bike I took a picture on my phone. I should have known better, I was like a kid," Hayden told reporters ahead of the season opener in Qatar on April 11.

"I just put a picture on my website. It probably got me in the doghouse a bit. It happens."

Hayden believes the departure of team principal Livio Suppo for Honda will not adversely affect Ducati this season, especially given the strengths of the new bike.

"I like the bike, while another off-season with the team will be a big help for me," said the 28-year-old, who is in his second year at Ducati and has brothers racing in Superbikes and the American domestic championship.