"I need to come back stronger."

In part two of our interview, MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden talks about Dani Pedrosa, his new bike for 2007, the part his family plays in his success – and why winning can fix a lot of problems.

Many fans have noticed the close relationship you have with your parents. Not just because you live with your parents, but you took on the starting number of your father, and he accompanies you to almost every race. How big is his influence on your life and your career?

I come from a strong family who made lots of sacrifices when I was young. To have been given this chance, I certainly won't forget those who helped make it happen. Though I won't say that we're perfect, we're a tight unit and I owe my family so much. There are lots of pressures and maybe I can be hard to be around on race weekends, but this is because my performance on the track means so much to me. But family blood is thick where I come from and nothing will come between us.

You are the new MotoGP Champion. Despite this, many motorsport “experts” consider Valentino Rossi to be the undisputable two-wheel king. What do you have to say about that?

Well I've got a lot of respect for him but believe I deserve similar respect now. He has done a lot for our sport and is a class act, but the bottom line is when the flag came down at Valencia, I had more points than anybody else so I am the champion and that is not all down to good luck over 17 races!

Your team-mate next year will be Dani Pedrosa again. How would you describe your relationship with him?

Well sure our relationship was strained a lot but I believe we are both strong riders and have a strong team this year. He won rookie of the year, we won the team points, rider points and best qualifier of the year. So it’s all good. Maybe I wouldn't have said that after Portugal, but winning can fix a lot of problems.

In 2007, a new era in MotoGP will begin with the 800cc V4 bikes. How big will the adjustment be for the riders and how well were you getting along with the new bike at the tests in Valencia?

For sure there will be a lot to understand, but I believe in HRC and my guys and that, come round one, we will be ready. I am looking forward to the big challenge.

In the middle of November there are some more tests scheduled in Malaysia. How far along are you and your team with the preparations for next season?

It is still very early and after the Malaysia test I think we will know a lot more. After the test in Valencia I think we are close. We just need more power and speed. The chassis is very good.

When are you finally going to take a vacation? Do you already know what you are going to do on your break?

Well my vacation will just be trying to spend some time at home over the holidays with my friends and family. I had my fun standing on the podium in Valencia with the crowd and my team. I must begin to work toward next year. I have lots of work to do and I need to come back stronger!