Best result to date for Hayden with Ducati

Sunday, 14 June 2009

The former World Champion broke the top ten for first time in 2009 at the Gran Premi Cinzano de Catalunya.

Tenth place for Nicky Hayden, added to Casey Stoner’s podium and ninth for Mika Kallio, made it three Ducatis in the top ten at Barcelona, an improvement for the Italian factory.

Hayden was satisfied with the result and is now looking forward to returning to the track on Monday for the first of two of post-GP tests this season, the second of which will follow the Czech round at Brno in August.

Nicky Hayden – 10th

“I was hoping for a little more than this but realistically at the moment it was the best I could manage. I started from near the back but kept passing people and made progress throughout the race. I got close to Kallio and tried my best to pass him but made a couple of mistakes and he beat me. All in all it’s not a spectacular result but it is definitely a step forward. I’ve been close to the front guys all weekend, we’ve worked well and we’ve learnt a lot about the bike. I’m already looking forward to getting back on the bike for the test tomorrow and continuing to work down this path, which we think is the right one.”

Hayden Smiles again in Barcelona

Big change brings big smile to Hayden in Barcelona

Friday, 12 June 2009

Ducati rider makes significant improvement with radical overhaul of Barcelona setting.

Nicky Hayden and the Ducati Marlboro team rang the changes to the Desmosedici GP9 in preparation for Barcelona, and the modifications paid dividends for the American on Friday. He placed sixth in the first free practice session.

Nicky Hayden -6th

“I know it’s only sixth position but still I’m pretty happy because I was running up front throughout the session and having fun, which is what racing is supposed to be about! Basically “Vitto” (Guareschi) stayed on in Mugello and tested a lot and we have changed almost everything on the bike other than the handgrips! We’ve altered the electronics and the geometry a lot to help me get the bike turning and we’ve taken a big step. I don’t want to get too excited because it’s only Friday and we’ve got to keep working hard but I want to say that I am very grateful to the team and to “Vitto”, Filippo (Preziosi) and “Pippi” (Cristhian Pupulin) and the Test Team in particular. Nobody here has given up on me even after a few bad races and I have always made it clear I won’t give up on them. We have had to stay mentally strong and keep positive, even though that hasn’t been easy. Hopefully we’re on to something here and all the hard work will start paying off.” (motogp.com)

And on a personal note, it's sure is good to see Nicky up in front and with a smile on his face, well done to him and the team- keep up the good work,

Hayden admits tough time in career

By Steven English from autosport.com

Monday, June 8th 2009, 14:01 GMT

Nicky Hayden has admitted that the beginning to his first season with the works Ducati team has been difficult for him as he has struggled to get onto terms with team-mate Casey Stoner.

The 2006 world champion is only 15th in the MotoGP standings with a best result of 12th so far, but is determine to continue in a positive frame of mind.

"This obviously isn't an easy period for me, but I have to think positive and continue to give it everything," Hayden said. "That is my way of dealing with things and that is what I'll continue to do alongside my team."

Hayden says he has suffered from the reduction in testing this year and is hoping to make significant progress in the test day at Barcelona on Monday after this weekend's Catalan GP.

"I'm looking forward to getting out there and racing again, but I'm also looking forward to the test afterwards," he added. "I really need some testing and more time in the saddle.

"This year I'm really feeling the testing ban that has been brought in. I know it's the same for everybody but for me in particular I know I'd really benefit from some test time, so hopefully we can get some good work done at Barcelona that will help me take a step forward."

I didn't know it was a secret he needed to admit to, I think we all sew that he is having a real hard time this year- even harder then expected. I'm just hopping that the changes they did in the company and bringing baylis to test the bike will help Nicky, and soon.
And Nicky- keep your chin up, we still love and cheering for you.