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.