Hayden hails 'big leap forward'

I really hope its a permanent breakthrough to be honest...go Nicky.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81732

Nicky Hayden was delighted with the set-up breakthrough that allowed him to set the third fastest time in MotoGP testing at Sepang today.

The American has been unable to match his team-mate Casey Stoner so far in his Ducati career, but today the duo took second and third - with Hayden only 0.191 seconds slower than Stoner despite not being at full fitness following recent arm surgery.

Hayden put the improvement down to some adjustments made on Thursday.

"I am obviously really happy because the changes we made yesterday afternoon that enabled me to go a couple of tenths faster despite the heat have proved to work even better today with the track in improved condition," he said.

"After making small steps for the last few test sessions today we have finally taken a big leap forward and I was able to ride fast."

He said is arm had not been too much of a factor, but was not yet in peak condition.

"The arm wasn't too bad but it still isn't as strong as before, which I can feel more than anything in the hard braking, and it was hard work today," Hayden said. "Anyway, I am recovering well and now we move on from Sepang feeling really happy."

Although Yamaha's Valentino Rossi has been fastest in every test so far, Stoner feels Ducati is also in great shape, having been close behind Rossi at Sepang this week.

"We are really satisfied with the package we have now and the progress we have made so far," said Stoner.

"If you ask me I'd say we are starting off from a stronger base than last year so now we'll just have to wait and see if we can get straight on the pace in Qatar."

If Hayden has picked it up,in a prolonged manner throughout the season, then I reckon Ducati have a good chance of getting Stoner across the line again this year.

Even though Duc. dumped him after 07 I still reckon Capi. provided much help wth the achievement of the 07 WC.

If Hayden can match Capi, then thats pretty good, ( especially in his seconf year, and he deserves to stay at Duc. for a while longer, and hopefully not junkpiled like Capi was.

Just taking meaningful points from the competitors is excellent for a Duc. rider.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 1 2010, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>LINK
Someone sounds happy, and trying to hold it in. That is good to hear, and let's hope it last.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Traverser @ Mar 1 2010, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Someone sounds happy, and trying to hold it in. That is good to hear, and let's hope it last.
Maybe if we went to church and prayed for Nicky on a regular basis, things would continue to look up, eh.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 2 2010, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Maybe if we went to church and prayed for Nicky on a regular basis, things would continue to look up, eh.

It's starting to come together for him it seems. But just in case I'll pray with ya.

I'm cautiously optimistic.

The psychology of racing has a huge impact on a rider's ability to perform. When Melandri was struggling, Ducati suggested he seek a sports psychologist.

What's to stop Ducati from cranking up the power on Hayden's bike to a level that is unsustainable over a 3 race distance?

Not saying they did it. I'm just saying the motive is definitely there and the means are readily available. I hope this isn't the case since Nicky has cited chatter and other miscellaneous ramblings, but this is the first time Nicky has been able to smell Stoner's exhaust. He's injured.

This data point is tainted, though Nicky did achieve good form at Valencia. If these performances occur more frequently, I think it will be safe to say that Nick is back in good form.

well maybe casey vs hayden (which one better) and another wall for ducati

I`ll be surprised if Nicky wins a title again but I`m still sticking with being a big fan though I do expect him to show on the podium a few times (with any luck).Gonna give some support to Spies as well,good things expected from Ben this season.Shame theres no Brits but that`ll come in a year or so realistically.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 1 2010, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Maybe if we went to church and prayed for Nicky on a regular basis, things would continue to look up, eh.
I am not standing next to you in a lightning storm>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 2 2010, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I am not standing next to you in a lightning storm>
..or Lex come to that

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cygnus88 @ Mar 2 2010, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>well maybe casey vs hayden (which one better) and another wall for ducati

Ducati don't have walls. That's reserved for our very precious riders.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Mar 2 2010, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>..or Lex come to that

Why not?

You're safe when you're next to a grounded lightning rod. When you're in an open field, you're a sitting duck.

he did that big leap with this nasty wound!
i can only imagine what he can do when he get to a 100% ,cause he said he didn't want to do many laps and we all know he needs a lot of laps to get the bike the way he wants

We will see soon enough. I had the pleasure of meeting mom and dad Hayden.
I love those guys.. Really down to earth people. I hope Nicky is back to regular podiums.

That would be the surprise of 2010! Hayden an Alien...



Cheers! Here is to wishful thinking...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Duc999 @ Mar 4 2010, 08:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>That would be the surprise of 2010! Hayden an Alien...

Though perhaps true Hayden fans could deem him "the Prodigal Alien", since they should not be surprised.

Whats your quess? Where do you gain a second. Ducati has always seemed to have a problem getting there second rider competitive. Now after a year of struggleing they have found a second in haydens setup. Hum.


So what is everyone's quess?

Whats your quess? Where do you gain a second. Ducati has always seemed to have a problem getting there second rider competitive. Now after a year of struggleing they have found a second in haydens setup. Hum.


So what is everyone's quess?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (demingracer @ Mar 8 2010, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>So what is everyone's quess?

My guess it's little of everything but I still want to know if he can pull this pace for race distance.

Combo plate

-bike
-rider
-tires
-conditions

Can you put that one second on any one thing. I don't think so. If you were to say what had more of an effect or the most emphasis, I would say the new Big Bang engine.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>My guess it's little of everything but I still want to know if he can pull this pace for race distance.

Combo plate

-bike
-rider
-tires
-conditions

Can you put that one second on any one thing. I don't think so. If you were to say what had more of an effect or the most emphasis, I would say the new Big Bang engine.

I'd agree Sacky. Its the same with everything, small gains here and there but definately the big bang motor has helped. Whether its in terms of tractability or just the way its power delivery helps Hayden feel more comfortable.

Psychologically I hope this is a big leap for him, because I think thats most of the battle won if its a question of him 'feeling' more comfortable on the bike...in racing thats the main issue. In his own words when its set up to his liking its easier to ride and I have the same with my racing. Sometimes i;ve been 'told' to go a certain way with setup thats quicker, but if i'm not getting the feedback (especially from the front), it ruins your confidence and more often than not if I go down a route that gives me better feedback then i'm miles quicker, even if the setup isnt whats considered the optimum