Nicky Hayden, head of an aspiring new generation.
At 24, Nicky Hayden is leading the new generation of young MotoGP riders. Into his fourth season, he is looking forward to improving his third place in 2005
Finishing fifth in his first, 2003 season, eighth in 2004 and third in 2005, the Repsol Honda Teams US rider is facing his fourth MotoGP year with the added burden of a new bike development. Narrowly missing a second-place finish last year, he is well aware of the pressure he is under as team leader of the most successful MotoGP World Championship team. His first challenge is as developer of the Honda RC211V 2006, and a lot will be expected of him this season.
– Nicky, can you give us your opinion of these three days of testing in Sepang?
Its been positive. After a two-month break these three days have been tough, both due to the heat and all the work weve done, but Ive had a great time. I was looking forward to getting back into action and meet up with my team again. I made several laps and weve tried out a lot of things. I can say Ive ridden fast, but still not fast enough. Ive got to work on finding my pace, but Im feeling fine and Im satisfied with the work weve done.
– What are your plans for the upcoming practice sessions in Australia?
Basically, confirm that what went well for us in Sepang, like geometries and other stuff weve chosen, also works in Phillip Island.
– Theres been a new addition to the team. What will be his contribution and responsibility within the team structure?
Yes, the new guy on my team this year, Ramón Aurín, was with the Honda Pons team until last year. Hes in charge of data analysis hes a telemetry expert wholl try to make me go faster. Nobodys been replaced; hes just another specialist whos joined the team. Hes done a great job these days and already made some improvements. The 2006 World Championship is starting in about two months and youre still working on this seasons bikes settings and trying to decide how to proceed.
– Will there be enough time until the first race in Jerez to achieve the goals youve set for yourselves?
This year the championship starts earlier than last year so well have one less training session; but there are still enough days and practices ahead. The IRTA practices have also been pushed up a couple of weeks.
– That puts time against us, so we have to get the most out of each and every day to be in tip-top shape for the first race. How does it feel to carry all the burden of developing the RC211V 2006 yourself?
This year Im Hondas team leader and that carries a lot responsibility. Weve tried out the new bike this week, but Ive only taken it for 20 or 30 laps to break it in. Ive been working and testing the factory bike almost all the time. Well see what happens, but I trust my team and our potential to get to the first race with the right bike.
– Fifth in 2003, eighth in 2004 and third in 2005. Will you be satisfied with a second-place win or do you firmly believe in going for the title?
Im looking forward to this year. I had a strong finish last year and hope to start this one off the same way. Ive got lots of motivation and am ready to take the leap. Im aware of how fast everyone else is going to go, how hard it is, and the new generations potential, but Im looking forward to the challenge. Theres been quite a generational relay in the MotoGP, and some of the most veteran riders have stepped down.
– Has the time come for young hopefuls to challenge the current World Champion Valentino Rossi?
Rossi is still the rider to beat until someone proves otherwise. Hes still a step ahead with his big number 1. Hes going to set the pace. Its hard to say who else is going to be up there. There are a bunch of good riders and thats what makes MotoGP so great. Its the best competition in the world and itll be even more interesting this year. I just have to worry about myself, not the rest, and do the best I can. Every year at least one rider causes a sensation.
– Who do you think it will be this year?
Its hard to say, but Im sure my team mate Dani Pedrosa will do a great job. Hes a great rider and has lots of talent, so Im sure hell teach them a trick or two.
– Have you and Dani shared the track already?
Not much, really. We still havent ridden together, but Im sure there will be lots of time for that.
