Hayden sure he'll be fit for Sepang test

The American injured his right shoulder in his crash at Estoril last year, and travelled to the American clinic of Doctor Arthur Ting for some minor work on his injury.

Although Hayden's arm has been put in a sling, he says there are no doubts about him getting back into action when MotoGP's winter testing ban comes to an end.

"All went good and Dr. Ting is happy with how it went," wrote Hayden on his official website. "After a week or 10 days in a sling I'll be out and should have no problems in being 100% for the next test."

Hayden revealed that the shoulder injury plagued him more than he admitted this season, and thinks he perhaps returned to action at the start of 2007 too early.

"As (you all) know, after Portugal last year I had to have another shoulder operation," he said. "(The) truth is I probably rushed a (little) to get back testing this year and was not fully healed. Though I can't use it as an excuse for the results this year, I would be (lying) if I said it was perfect.

"It gave me a few problems and I was getting a few Cortisone shots during the season to help. But is that why I got shut for race wins? No!"

Hayden is also upbeat about the 2008-spec Honda that he has already begun testing.

"I'm pretty happy with where we are compared to a year ago. Being fastest in Malaysia was good, though no disrespect to the riders that were there, it is easier when (Casey) Stoner and a few of them stay home.

"Jerez was another good test and we were on pace all three days, even with the new bike. I like this new bike. The chassis is good and even though the engine is hard to ride, if we can get some more speed out of it we should be ready to do work."