Q&A: Nicky Hayden

by Peter McLaren

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net, Nicky Hayden, now entering his second season with Repsol Honda, talks about his rookie MotoGP year, being Valentino Rossi's team-mate, the difference between satellite and factory RC211Vs, the AMA, a US GP and much more...

Q: Nicky, how would you describe your first MotoGP season? Did you expect to be rookie of the year?

Nicky Hayden: I didn't know what to expect going into the season, so didn't try to think I was going to be this or going to be that, but overall I think it was a positive year.

I still feel like I'm capable of more, that I can show the world more, but it was exciting - and it was tough at times, you know.

Last year I didn't really have people around me, but this year I think my father will come to some more races. Last year I went to a lot on my own so it wasn't easy - but being in MotoGP is what I've always dreamed about, so it's all good.

Q: Was it tough being Rossi's team-mate? Were you able to pick much up from him?

Nicky Hayden: You know honestly, we had the same colour bikes, but we did our own thing. I definitely tried to learn from him any chance I got and picked up a few things.

We got along good and he was really supportive of me always and treated me nice - especially when I struggled and stuff - so I gotta lot of respect for him.

Q: What are the differences between the 2003 and 2004 RC211V? Were any of the changes specifically requested by you or did HRC have their own ideas?

Nicky Hayden: A little bit of both. We already had a really good bike last year so we've just been trying to improve it a little bit on the edge grip and I think we've found that and - as always - find more power, but power that you can use. You don't want nothing too aggressive. You gotta be able to use it.

Q: The riders in the two satellite Honda teams (Camel Honda and Telefonica Honda) will naturally be trying to get as much HRC support as they can this year, but how much advantage do you think you have as a factory rider? Page 2

Nicky Hayden: I don't think there's such a big difference (between being a factory and satellite rider). Sure I'm happy to be on the team I'm at and all that - and sure there's advantages - but Sete proved last year what you can do at a satellite time and I think maybe some guys use it as an excuse. We all like to use an excuse every now and then and some guys like to use that one.

Q: Does a MotoGP race feel different to any other race you've been in - such as AMA Superbike - or is a race a race for you?

Nicky Hayden: Yeah it's different. I raced World Superbike at Laguna in 2002 and that was like another step up from AMA, but it's definitely a different world in MotoGP - that's what I love about it.

Q: Are there any AMA riders that you think could step up and make the grade in MotoGP?

Nicky Hayden: I believe America is capable of putting out great riders. Right now Mat Mladin is for sure the strongest rider in America and I think he could get it done over here no problem and definitely fit right in - I don't know where - but he's definitely be capable of making some headlines over here without a doubt. I think both my brothers (Tommy and Roger Lee) are tremendous talents so I definitely see those guys (as capable of making it) as well.

Q: Could we see the Hayden brothers in MotoGP then?

Nicky Hayden: Yeah I think so. They're both different, and it's up to them if they want to (make it). But the AMA's not a bad life - they've got good jobs, good teams and get to stay at home.

Q: It looks like there could be a US GP in 2005 - what would it mean for MotoGP, and you personally, to race in America?

Nicky Hayden: We need to be there! I'm biased because I'm American, but in America MotoGP's not so popular right now, it's coming more popular - especially with more Americans in the class - but without a race there we're not gonna get so big. So I really, really, hope we go there so bad. It'd just be nice to race near home with all my friends and family (present). I try to explain and tell them what's its like but you can't get an idea unless you see it.

Q: Do you think Rossi was brave or crazy to leave Honda?

Nicky Hayden: Brave. I respect him for it; he could have stayed where he was at. It took some balls to make that decision and if that's what his heart felt - you gotta do what makes you happy.

A lot of people are gonna point fingers if he does bad and say 'I told you so', everybody's gonna have their opinion, but at the end of the day he's gotta do what he wants to do.