MotoGP: Fast rookies no surprise for Nicky Hayden

Former world champion Nicky Hayden says he hasn’t been shocked by the impressive performances of MotoGP rookies Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso and James Toseland.

Spaniard Lorenzo has made the biggest impact with the double world 250 champion joint leader in the championship with Hayden’s Repsol Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa after three races.

Nicky Hayden believes the growing influence of electronic rider aids has helped shorten the learning curve in the premier class, but he doesn’t believe the likes of Lorenzo have an easier job to become a force in MotoGP.

Hayden said: “500s were a different beast but I think background makes a difference like a lot of these guys come from 250s. But sure the 990s with no electronics took longer to learn and would bite harder when it did go wrong.

“My rookie year I got fifth in a year that was really competitive so I can’t say it’s easy. That’s the wrong word.

“Sure the 800s and a lot of the rider aids have helped guys but give credit to those guys, they are riding really good.

“I don’t like the word easy. If you look at the last batch like Casey (Stoner), Dani and Randy (de Puniet) they have done pretty good too.”