Ready to strike back

End of season means pre-season: In part one of our interview the defeated World Champion Nicky Hayden discloses how he wants to get his title back in 2008 – and why the first tests with the RC212V 2008 at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit look to stand him in good stead for that task.

After your first contact, what’s your impression of the new bike?

I’m quite impressed with it. This is the first time I’ve ridden it and it seems to be nearly ready. Obviously there’s still a lot of work and development to be done on the bike, but it’s a good start. In a couple of weeks I’ll be able to tell you more.

And compared to the 2007 version?

It’s very similar; there aren’t any big differences. Perhaps the biggest thing is the use of pneumatic valves, which are attracting all the attention. I like the rider position, the handlebars and the way it rides, which are all very similar to the 2007. I also like the weight transfer; it’s not so sudden and not as aggressive as on the previous bike.

A few days ago the Repsol Honda Team announced that it would keep its ties with Michelin. Are you satisfied with this decision?

Yes. They’ve got a lot of work to do, but that’s because they can improve. They haven’t been at the level expected of them this year, but I’m dying to see the material we’re going to use in 2008. Bridgestone has been ahead of us the whole year and I hope that next season we’ll be stronger. The level this year wasn’t good enough.

Have you found something new in the tire tests this time?

Maybe, but the most important thing right now is to get used to the bike before thinking about testing new tires.

No time to rest: the 2007 season just finished last Sunday, and Tuesday you were already preparing for 2008. Is it too much?

No. It’s not an easy job, but I know there are a lot worse things around. Being a Honda factory rider in MotoGP is a privilege, and I’m not going to cry about the work I have. We’ve travelled a lot in the last two months, and will be in the next two as well. That’s a bit of a drag; it’s not all smiles. You’re always moving from one place to another, but that goes with the pay cheque. I can’t say that it’s too much, though.

It seems that Honda is making a big effort to be competitive again, at least going by the last few races – it’s a very competitive bike. But seeing it’s new, does that mean you’ve got to start from scratch again?

It’s a completely different bike, yes, and I’d say that in many aspects we’re beginning from scratch, but from a higher base level. Honda’s commitment in the bad times encouraged me when the results didn’t come. They didn’t give up, and that shows what a great company it is.