Victory for team-mate, 12th place for Nicky. Is Hayden the next Marco Melandri?
MARLBORO DUCATI rider Nicky Hayden looks as through he's facing some serious problems getting to grips with his new MotoGP ride.
The American, who's been struggling for a decent race result all season, was hoping his luck might change at Mugello, the home ground for Ducati's GP9 Desmosedici racer. Speaking after the race Hayden said:
“I had quite high hopes, knowing this was where the bike was born,” he said, after the first day of practice. “This was the most disappointing day yet. We’ve tried a lot of different things, but if you try too much you can get lost.”
The Kentucky Kid goes on to say it's the bike's behaviour under braking that's cauing the biggest problem:
“I think it’s a character the bike’s had from the beginning. I’ve ridden all sorts of bikes, from Harley dirt-trackers to Superbikes and the MotoGP Honda. I’ve never not been able to ride any bike, so it’s a personal challenge and I’m not going to give up,” said the 2006 World Champion, adding: “That’s all the good news I have at the moment.”
The frustration must be unbearable, especially considering Hayden's team-mate, Casey Stoner, took victory at Mugello.
