MotoGP: Nicky Hayden looking forward to Indianapolis challenge

Reigning world champion Nicky Hayden is relishing the prospect of a second MotoGP clash in America in 2008.

Indianapolis will be confirmed on the 2008 MotoGP calendar on Monday, July 16, 2007 with the race to take place on September 14, 2008 when a provisional 2008 calendar gets released later this month.

Nicky Hayden, who ended a miserable run in 2007 when he claimed his first podium on Honda’s factory RC212V 800 in Assen at the end of last month, said: “Sounds awesome to me. I’ll believe it more when I see it on the schedule because Laguna was a done deal in my rookie year and the next year after that.

“I’ll believe it when I see it in writing. I’ve not actually seen the track. I haven’t even watched the Formula One races and don’t really know the plans.

“But bring it on, it’s really a home race, Laguna is a home race but it’s a long way from home. Indy’s pretty much in my backyard because it’s a three hour drive.”

With the popularity of MotoGP on the increase in America, Nicky Hayden said it was good to see a second race being staged across the Atlantic, with the Istanbul Park round in Turkey expected to make way for Indy.

Hayden’s 2006 MotoGP world championship success has contributed much to the increased profile of MotoGP in America.

The Repsol Honda rider, who won the 2005 and 2006 American MotoGP races in Laguna Seca, said: “Definitely MotoGP in America seems to be catching on. It’s a big market and Dorna wants to crack it.

“The fans are excited about it, so hopefully it all goes smooth. Laguna has been really cool but didn’t always go real smooth as far as the fans go. I hope things tick along a little bit smoother. “