Hayden itching for action.

An excited Nicky Hayden was ready to return to action only halfway through the three-week MotoGP summer break, which separates Donington from this weekend's Czech Grand Prix, and is hoping to kick off the second half of the season with his first '100%' weekend of the year.

The Repsol Honda rider, who has celebrated his 23rd birthday since the last race, currently lies fifth in the championship standings and is aiming to improve on that position - while building on his current 2004 tally of a provisional pole, two front row starts and two podium finishes.

"I was ready to get back racing half way through the break I'm so excited about the rest of the season!" grinned Nicky. "There was a lot about the opening races this year that we as a team were happy about. We're working real tight as a unit and we had a few good sessions and races but no weekend has been 100% yet and this is the goal.

"This time last year I couldn't believe how quick the season had gone and really picked things up in the remaining races," Hayden reflected. "I like many of the tracks and am definitely looking to finish strongly.

"In my first year I finished fifth in the championship and any racer's goal is to go better with every season and I guess I'm no different. I'll be going out there every session wanting to be fastest and take my first pole and in every race wanting to improve on the podiums I've had this season," he added.

Two days after Donington, Hayden tested new engine parts and the slash cut exhaust that team-mate Alex Barros had been running over the last two GPs. The Brazilian, who has had one podium finish at the historic Brno track (third in 1998), believes it will suit the Czech circuit.

"I think we should go well in Brno," said Alex. "The new exhaust system helps with traction out of slower corners and this circuit has several second gear turns where it is important to get the power down smoothly."