Donington Park MotoGP: Nicky Hayden thanks Honda after ending Friday 2nd fastest

2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden has thanked Honda for allowing him to use the pneumatic-valved RCV Honda this weekend after setting the second fastest time in Free Practice 2 on the opening day of the British GP.

Hayden lapped the 2.5-mile Leicestershire circuit in 1.28.829, half a second off the fastest man on the day Casey Stoner.

Hayden spoke highly of the new engine today saying: “Honestly I’ve got to thank HRC.

“I told them that I really wanted to use the pneumatic-valve engine here so they worked some on the electronics and the guys said I could use it, so long as I was going to be in the top three or four!

“I was second this afternoon and fifth this morning, so that kinda evens out, do the math.”

Hayden also went on to say that despite Stoner’s obvious advantage at the moment, reeling him in isn’t out of the realms of possibility.

He added: “Sure, Stoner’s going quick and we’ve got some work to do to get with him but overall the bike is working good, so thanks to HRC and the team for delivering.

“The engine is pretty aggressive, but I like to go somewhere when I open the throttle, I like something to happen.

“It’s a little bit quicker, so it’s nice to be up near the front of the trap speeds.

“I was fourth from the top today, even though this is only a small, fifth-gear straight.

“I also had a new chassis today which felt better, it’s a little bit of an improvement stability-wise.”