http://www.crash.net/motogp/interview/150140/print.html
Excerpts:
Has Nicky Hayden changed to suit the bike, or has the bike changed to suit Nicky Hayden?
Nicky Hayden:
It's been a combination. I've had to adjust my style a lot and learn a lot. Just to understand and get a feel for the bike. Also the team, they did a lot of work to change the bike to suit me better. We've changed the riding position in the last few weeks and that's helped a lot. Just spending more time on the bike and with the team has been a big help.
Q:
There are conflicting opinions about riding the Ducati. Some people say you should just pin the throttle wide open but others, including Niccolo Canepa, say you have to be very gentle with the throttle...
Nicky Hayden:
You've got to be smooth with it. That myth [about pinning the throttle] is wrong! I don't know where it comes from! This bike; it's a partner. You've got to work with it and get the most out of it and be really smooth with the throttle. It's not just twist the grip man and hang on. That won't work - or not for long anyway.
Q:
The rear 'pumping' on corner exit was a big problem for you initially, how is it now?
Nicky Hayden:
We made that a lot better, actually, with some electronics. I would say, if there is one single biggest improvement that we've made, that would be it. Now I need to get some more feel from the bike and more feedback so I can find the limit.
Q:
You're riding alongside Casey, who it seems was born to ride this bike, how are you working together?
Nicky Hayden:
We've talked about a lot of things and he's been first class all the way, but some things that work for him don't work for me. Sometimes you've got to row your own boat. But me and Casey get on well and the team atmosphere is great.
Nicky Hayden:
Off the corners. He gets off the corners a lot better than me and carries that speed all the way down the straightaway and has a lot better top speed than I have. That's one thing that's kinda been a big question mark for me and the team, why he is always so much faster at the end of the straightaways.
Q:
And it's because he's getting out of the corners better?
Nicky Hayden:
That and a combination of maybe the electronics and my [physical] size.
Q:
I think you are on a one year deal with Ducati. You've got more points, after nine rounds, than the three other Ducati riders - other than Stoner - had last year after nine rounds. Have you done enough to show you should be with Ducati next year?
Nicky Hayden:
I'm not sure. I actually have a two year deal with Ducati, but it is their option [to stay for the second year]. They haven't renewed it yet, so we'll see. I know there are a lot of games going on in the paddock. This and that. I signed on for two years and I feel like we can do something here. I don't want to give up now that we've come this far and start again. We'll see if they renew.
Q:
When do you think you will know?
Nicky Hayden:
The deadline is still a bit away. But I would think if they really want me back I would say we're gonna know soon. If they keep dragging it along then chances are I better go look for a new spot. But I like the team and I like the bike. I really feel like, even though the results haven't been good, the work we're all putting in is starting to pay off.
Q:
Finally Nicky, no one has ever won the MotoGP and WSBK titles, is that something you have any interest in trying to achieve one day?
Nicky Hayden:
My goal right now is MotoGP and I love it here. Sure it's hard and to think I'm gonna get back to winning the championship - I know how tough that's gonna be - but I've done it before and, as a rider, you always want to go against the best. World Superbike has got some great racing and strong talent, but MotoGP is still where it's at.
Excerpts:
Has Nicky Hayden changed to suit the bike, or has the bike changed to suit Nicky Hayden?
Nicky Hayden:
It's been a combination. I've had to adjust my style a lot and learn a lot. Just to understand and get a feel for the bike. Also the team, they did a lot of work to change the bike to suit me better. We've changed the riding position in the last few weeks and that's helped a lot. Just spending more time on the bike and with the team has been a big help.
Q:
There are conflicting opinions about riding the Ducati. Some people say you should just pin the throttle wide open but others, including Niccolo Canepa, say you have to be very gentle with the throttle...
Nicky Hayden:
You've got to be smooth with it. That myth [about pinning the throttle] is wrong! I don't know where it comes from! This bike; it's a partner. You've got to work with it and get the most out of it and be really smooth with the throttle. It's not just twist the grip man and hang on. That won't work - or not for long anyway.
Q:
The rear 'pumping' on corner exit was a big problem for you initially, how is it now?
Nicky Hayden:
We made that a lot better, actually, with some electronics. I would say, if there is one single biggest improvement that we've made, that would be it. Now I need to get some more feel from the bike and more feedback so I can find the limit.
Q:
You're riding alongside Casey, who it seems was born to ride this bike, how are you working together?
Nicky Hayden:
We've talked about a lot of things and he's been first class all the way, but some things that work for him don't work for me. Sometimes you've got to row your own boat. But me and Casey get on well and the team atmosphere is great.
Nicky Hayden:
Off the corners. He gets off the corners a lot better than me and carries that speed all the way down the straightaway and has a lot better top speed than I have. That's one thing that's kinda been a big question mark for me and the team, why he is always so much faster at the end of the straightaways.
Q:
And it's because he's getting out of the corners better?
Nicky Hayden:
That and a combination of maybe the electronics and my [physical] size.
Q:
I think you are on a one year deal with Ducati. You've got more points, after nine rounds, than the three other Ducati riders - other than Stoner - had last year after nine rounds. Have you done enough to show you should be with Ducati next year?
Nicky Hayden:
I'm not sure. I actually have a two year deal with Ducati, but it is their option [to stay for the second year]. They haven't renewed it yet, so we'll see. I know there are a lot of games going on in the paddock. This and that. I signed on for two years and I feel like we can do something here. I don't want to give up now that we've come this far and start again. We'll see if they renew.
Q:
When do you think you will know?
Nicky Hayden:
The deadline is still a bit away. But I would think if they really want me back I would say we're gonna know soon. If they keep dragging it along then chances are I better go look for a new spot. But I like the team and I like the bike. I really feel like, even though the results haven't been good, the work we're all putting in is starting to pay off.
Q:
Finally Nicky, no one has ever won the MotoGP and WSBK titles, is that something you have any interest in trying to achieve one day?
Nicky Hayden:
My goal right now is MotoGP and I love it here. Sure it's hard and to think I'm gonna get back to winning the championship - I know how tough that's gonna be - but I've done it before and, as a rider, you always want to go against the best. World Superbike has got some great racing and strong talent, but MotoGP is still where it's at.
