Le Mans MotoGP: Nicky Hayden predicts tough race

Nicky Hayden expects a tough French MotoGP race at Le Mans tomorrow, despite qualifying in fifth place on the grid. 

Hayden posted a best time of 1.33.845 in this afternoon’s qualifying session, largely thanks to a big helping hand from former factory Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa.

Hayden has struggled for much of today with rear grip and changing direction issues on his factory Ducati GP10, but he logged his best time while in pursuit of Pedrosa’s Honda RC212V. 

The American said: “Dani didn’t hurt me that’s for sure. It’s always nice to have a carrot in front of you and Dani is really good on qualifiers. I wasn’t right on his back wheel but he was going for it and it was enough to get me round.”

Hayden’s has played down his hopes for tomorrow’s 28-lap race though as he tries to continue his excellent start to the 2010 campaign.

The Kentucky rider has finished fourth in Qatar and Jerez and he said: “Since yesterday we’ve had a couple of little problems and only just danced around them. In a few areas we make it better and in a few worse but it is not going to be easy tomorrow but it never is. My race pace is not great but luckily I qualified fifth which at least gives me a shot at getting off with the front group.”

Hayden elaborated on his problems and told MCN: “Grip for sure and holding the line in some corners. And change of direction I’m losing a bit. The change of direction is quite slow but it is not just one problem holding me back. Tomorrow is going to be tough to get in there.  

“I really need to improve in the morning. I’m expecting a hard day at the office but I’m looking forward to it. Sunday is the day that counts so I’ll be going for it. I hope to get through turns two and three clean where we’ve seen a lot of drama.”