Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128372
Nicky Hayden: On the With the preseason tests wrapping up in Jerez, Spain on March 27, it couldn't have ended on a more positive note for Repsol rlonda's Nicky Hayden. The former AMA Superbike Champion ended the three-day test in Jerez with the fastest lap time of any of the MotoGP men - a time well under the lap record. On April 10, the MotoGP season starts in earnest with the opening round of the World Championship. That will be showtime for Hayden. en: In general terms, how do you assess your preseason? nickyhayden: It's been quite a long preseason and I'm happy that it's finished. It's been fun, but long. I'm ready to start the championship and to do what really counts. The real everyday work during the races is always much more entertaining for all of us. The preseason is a hard path; everything has to be restarted - the bike, the mechanics, the rider... But I'm really satisfied with how things have worked out. We've been improving day after day, and we've been in the front in every test. It was a new team when we started, but now we understand each other very well and the atmosphere in the garage is very good. The assessment is positive, but it's time to go for the results. en: How do you see your main rivals, such as Valentino RossI. 5ete Glbernau and Max Blaggl? nickyhayden: Valentino is with no doubt the man to be beaten, that's why he's number one. From a sporting point of view, Rossi will be the enemy number one until any other rider makes a big step forward. None of us has made that big step so far, but there are several riders that seem to be very strong. Sete, for example, is in exceptional shape and he's mentally on a good level as well. Valentino will be the hardest rival and then Sete. There are some races where Max can do a good job, too, and be a tough rival. en: Would you add somebody else? nickyhayden: Not to the fight for the title. But there are some riders and teams that have improved a lot. The championship is going to be great fun. ~ rge en: How do you see the Honda compared to the Yamaha? nickyhayden: From my point of view, the Honda is good overall, it's a complete bike, but the Yamaha is also a great machine. There are obviously differences - different riders, different parts... I try to set my bike under the best conditions to make it work as good as possible. Honda's got great technology and a lot of people working hard to find a good balance for all of the circuits. There will be tracks where the Honda adapts better and others less. We all have a great challenge ahead. en: And the RC211V 2005 compared to the 2004 bike? nickyhayden: It's eVidently improved, but there are no big differences. The engine works quite similar to last year. There are some small details that have been changed allowing us to improve. Michelin has also improved a lot. The new tires are giving great performance, as well as the suspensions. Now we have to make the most of all aspects. en: The next time we'll see you on the track will be at the first Grand Prix of the seiilson. How do you think It will be? nickyhayden: I want to start the season really strong and try to get a good base to start with and improve, improve, improve. My aim is to be among the top in every session, every practice, every day, and then to fight to win races. SllIJlcrillJellllll rIJ- Order Online: www.cyclenew5.com Call Now: 1-800-831-2220 (Monday·Friday, 9-5 Pacific TIme) CYCLE NEWS SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: America's Weekly Motorcycle Publication 1 YEAR (50 ISSUES) ONLY $45 Breaking News & Interviews National & World Motocross. Road Racing & Off-Road New Bikes & Products Comprehensive Shootouts & Tests _ Re_~lon~~oca_1 Ev.!'nts___ __ _ 14 APRil 6, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS • Looking Back At Historical Moments Expert Opinions Weekly Event Calendar Bikes Of The Stars Weekly Championship Points Standings Classifie~~~s - Updated Weekly