MotoGP: Hayden: I already love the bike.

RACER X · 01-14-2009, 10:20 AM

Nicky Hayden made his 'official' Ducati Marlboro debut on Wednesday, when he appeared in full team livery alongside fellow former MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner as part of Ducati's annual 'Wrooom' Press Ski Meeting at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

"On Sunday I tried on my Ducati leathers for the first time in an official photo session and I felt very proud," said the 2006 MotoGP world champion and former Repsol Honda rider. "I know what a huge opportunity I've been given and I'm very grateful to Ducati, Marlboro and everybody who has shown faith in me in this new chapter of my career."

But while Hayden may not have tried his 2009 leathers before this week, he has already ridden his 2009 machinery, during post-season testing at Valencia and then Jerez.

After seeing so many riders struggle to tame the 800cc Desmosedici, not least his predecessor Marco Melandri, Hayden has a healthy respect for a machine that has won 16 races in the hands of his new team-mate Casey Stoner - but claims he already 'loves it'.

"So far everything has gone really well. Obviously I need to get faster in order to be truly competitive but I already love the bike," he declared.

"I can't say it's easy to ride, it gets pretty loose on corner exit sometimes but the engine is powerful and that is important, especially in a race situation. The chassis is nice and stiff so you get plenty of feedback and I like the feeling with the front, which is really stable in the fast corners.

"So far we have only had two test sessions at Valencia and Jerez, which are tight and twisty tracks, and I think that at places like Malaysia and Qatar it will be even better," he added.

The American, who endured a 'difficult' relationship with former team-mate Dani Pedrosa, also repeated that he is looking forward to working closely with Stoner - although it will be every man for himself once the red lights go out.

"I'm happy to be working with Casey - we've known each other for a few years now, you could say we've got similar backgrounds having not come up through European competition and having started out racing in dirt-track," said the #69. "We're both competitive and we're going to want to beat one another but we'll also work together to make a strong team."

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.

smileyman · 01-14-2009, 10:48 AM

Who wouldn't love the Duc...I mean save Melandri

I hope they kick Honda/HRC/Spanish mafia ass next year. Don't know if they can touch a healthy Rossi and Lorenzo though...

Rider · 01-14-2009, 10:49 AM

Hayden is still a loser.

smileyman · 01-14-2009, 10:52 AM

But he makes bank on an Italian "family atmosphere" team with Marlboro bucks to throw at Da Ladays!

xx CURVE xx · 01-14-2009, 10:54 AM

Plus he's gona be banging Adriana

RACER X · 01-14-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xx CURVE xx

Plus he's gona be banging Adriana

adriana lima?

pics?

fnfalman · 01-14-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider

Hayden is still a loser.

A loser with a MotoGP championship to his name.

ontwo · 01-14-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider

Hayden is still a loser.

Amen. One-hit-wonder

HRCNICK11 · 01-14-2009, 12:07 PM

What I would not give to be a one time Moto GP champ! Best in the world for only one year yeah I could deal with that.

fnfalman · 01-15-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontwo

Amen. One-hit-wonder

Better than no-hit wonders.

01-14-2009, 10:20 AM	#1
RACER X AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond, Tx Moto: '10 Tuono Factory Posts: 4,569	MotoGP: Hayden: I already love the bike. Nicky Hayden made his 'official' Ducati Marlboro debut on Wednesday, when he appeared in full team livery alongside fellow former MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner as part of Ducati's annual 'Wrooom' Press Ski Meeting at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy. "On Sunday I tried on my Ducati leathers for the first time in an official photo session and I felt very proud," said the 2006 MotoGP world champion and former Repsol Honda rider. "I know what a huge opportunity I've been given and I'm very grateful to Ducati, Marlboro and everybody who has shown faith in me in this new chapter of my career." But while Hayden may not have tried his 2009 leathers before this week, he has already ridden his 2009 machinery, during post-season testing at Valencia and then Jerez. After seeing so many riders struggle to tame the 800cc Desmosedici, not least his predecessor Marco Melandri, Hayden has a healthy respect for a machine that has won 16 races in the hands of his new team-mate Casey Stoner - but claims he already 'loves it'. "So far everything has gone really well. Obviously I need to get faster in order to be truly competitive but I already love the bike," he declared. "I can't say it's easy to ride, it gets pretty loose on corner exit sometimes but the engine is powerful and that is important, especially in a race situation. The chassis is nice and stiff so you get plenty of feedback and I like the feeling with the front, which is really stable in the fast corners. "So far we have only had two test sessions at Valencia and Jerez, which are tight and twisty tracks, and I think that at places like Malaysia and Qatar it will be even better," he added. The American, who endured a 'difficult' relationship with former team-mate Dani Pedrosa, also repeated that he is looking forward to working closely with Stoner - although it will be every man for himself once the red lights go out. "I'm happy to be working with Casey - we've known each other for a few years now, you could say we've got similar backgrounds having not come up through European competition and having started out racing in dirt-track," said the #69. "We're both competitive and we're going to want to beat one another but we'll also work together to make a strong team." 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. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 2014 GROM! 181cc of FURY 2010 Aprilia Tuono Factory - SOLD 2009 SFV Gladius - SOLD 2008 Hayabusa - SOLD.

01-14-2009, 10:48 AM	#2
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	Who wouldn't love the Duc...I mean save Melandri I hope they kick Honda/HRC/Spanish mafia ass next year. Don't know if they can touch a healthy Rossi and Lorenzo though... __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

01-14-2009, 10:52 AM	#4
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	But he makes bank on an Italian "family atmosphere" team with Marlboro bucks to throw at Da Ladays! __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

01-14-2009, 10:49 AM	#3
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	Hayden is still a loser.

01-14-2009, 10:54 AM	#5
xx CURVE xx SMELL MY LEVER Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Moto: Tards Posts: 1,034	Plus he's gona be banging Adriana

01-14-2009, 12:07 PM	#9
HRCNICK11 Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 429	What I would not give to be a one time Moto GP champ! Best in the world for only one year yeah I could deal with that.