Brno MotoGP: Nicky Hayden says tyre rule hurting MotoGP

Reigning MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden believes that tyres are now playing too much of a pivotal role in the outcome of this year’s premier class races.

 

And echoing the comments of Valentino Rossi after the Italian’s crushing defeat in last month’s American clash in Laguna Seca, Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden believes the tyre rule is hurting the spectacle of MotoGP.

 

With riders limited to a selection of 31 tyres over a race weekend, the outcome of races is now more reliant on tyre performance than ever before.

 

Dani Pedrosa dominated the German MotoGP last month to win by over 10 seconds, yet he couldn’t get anywhere near the podium in Laguna Seca just seven days later.

 

Also in Germany, series leader Casey Stoner dominated practice and qualifying only to slump to fifth in the race.

 

Nicky Hayden said: “I don’t want to sit here and be a cry baby but I certainly think it has hurt the racing this year.

 

“I think the last couple of year’s people have been crazy about MotoGP and why we have seen it grow is because different riders, tyres and teams have won.

 

“We’ve had some last laps where three our four guys have still been in contention to win. I feel I’m pretty good at Laguna Seca but honestly looking back I didn’t have a chance on Sunday.

 

“I like the tyre rule and the competition but people don’t want to come to a race and watch two big stars like Rossi and Pedrosa run around half a lap behind. How many people in Spain turned the TV after three or four laps in Laguna?

 

“I just like good racing and competition is important too. I hate to see tyres determine the results.”

 

Nicky Hayden also confirmed to MCN he has a batch of new engine parts to test in Brno, including upgrades for horsepower and top end speed.

 

“We got something that’s supposed to run a bit better on top. I’ll try that out tomorrow (Friday).

 

“Obviously I think Michelin has come up with stuff to try but you can’t really gamble on the weekend, so I think the Monday and Tuesday test will be really important to test some stuff,” said the Kentucky rider.