Ducati MotoGP works driver Nicky Hayden (29, USA) took delivery of a CLS63 AMG for his personal use on 5 April 2011. Just two days after taking third place in the MotoGP race in Jerez (Spain), Nicky Hayden took delivery of his new Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG from Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The 2006 world champion chose the special limited-series "Edition One" model, with its combination of high-quality interior details and new manganite grey SHAPE matt paintwork finish. Nicky Hayden's CLS63 AMG also includes the AMG Performance package, giving the AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine a top performance of 550 hp and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft, along with an AMG engine cover in genuine carbon fiber; an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, also in genuine carbon fiber; red-painted brake calipers and an AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara inserts in the grip area.

Nicky Hayden is competing this year alongside teammate Valentino Rossi (Italy) in his ninth season in MotoGP, the premier motorcycle racing championship. Hayden has ridden for Ducati Corse since 2009 and won the championship title in 2006.

"AMG and Ducati Complement Each Other Perfectly!"

Nicky Hayden was clearly impressed by his first visit to AMG, where he was given a comprehensive tour of the AMG engine workshops, or "Manufaktur", and of the Performance Studio.

"My visit to Affalterbach was a great opportunity to see for myself the enthusiasm and precision with which the staff at AMG work. You can really see similarities with Ducati in Bologna - AMG and Ducati complement each other perfectly", commented the American.

Ola Källenius: "I'm delighted that Nicky Hayden has chosen the CLS63 AMG. We all know that efficiency plays an increasingly important role in motor racing, so with the CLS63 AMG he has definitely made the right decision. He's one of the fastest men in the world on two wheels, so I'm sure he'll have lots of fun with our new high-performance model. We shall look forward to getting his expert feedback!"

AMG has been the Official Car Partner of the Ducati MotoGP team since the start of the MotoGP season. The AMG logo appears not only on the motorcycles and racing overalls of Ducati works drivers Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi, but also on the official teamwear and in the Ducati Lounge. Furthermore, since the start of the 2011 season, as a further outcome of the cooperation agreement, all team trucks and vehicles have come from Mercedes-Benz.