Nicky needs early speed

Reigning world champion Nicky Hayden reckons he has got to come out of the gate faster at every race to bolster his hopes of retaining the MotoGP crown in 2007.

Hayden admitted one of his weaknesses in 2007 was struggling to get up to speed in the first practice session last year and it is an area he will seek to rectify when the defence of his title gets underway in Qatar on March 10, 2007.

“I know I got to get on the pace quicker this year. A lot of times last year I gave away that first session not getting up to speed and I can’t afford to do that this year with these boys,” said the factory Repsol Honda rider.