Being among the eight best MotoGP pilots in the world is an honor for other riders. But ex-World Champion Nicky Hayden expected more from 2007. In the second part of our interview he looks back on the highlights and low points of the past season.
How hard was it to lose the Number 1 spot?
It was painful, something hard to swallow – above all because of how I lost it. I’d have preferred to have been fighting and to have been stronger, but we were unlucky the whole season. It was a hard blow, I’m not going to lie. It was frustrating for the team as well because we had hopes of doing really well. We can do things much better. What can I do? Just get over it and go out to win next year.
Ready to fight for Number 1 again?
Of course! This was a very tough year. I’m not at all pleased. Next year I have to ride at a much higher level, hope to be stronger and to have much more fun.
What was the best moment in the 2007 season?
I’d say the pole in Portugal. It was a good reward after what happened there the year before. And it was good for the team because I have confidence in them and they have confidence in me. The podiums in Holland, Germany and Czech Republic were also good moments.
And the worst?
Not finishing at home, in Laguna Seca. That was very hard. The truth is that there were many bad moments; that’s what top-class racing is like. But I’ve realised that you have to learn from both the bad as well as the good – and I’m dying to get back to the top!
Tell us about your schedule until the end of the year.
Really, the season never ends. I’m going to the Milan Motorbike show, then to New York for the launch of the MTV movie ‘Kentucky Kid’ on TRL to promote it. It’s an important programme in the USA. After that I’ll go straight to practice in Malaysia. Then my elder brother is getting married on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I have to go to make sure he goes through with it! We’re going to have a great time. Finally, there’s practice in Jerez, and then in December everything will slow down – though I’ve got some commitments with sponsors. I’ll try to spend some time at home, and do some physical training.
Nicky Hayden
Nicky Hayden
Nicky Hayden