Champion Hayden not feeling any different

Hayden begins the defence of his title in Qatar this weekend, knowing that he will have to raise his game to fend off the challenge from Valentino Rossi, whose title-winning streak came to an end last year.

The Yamaha rider has looked stronger than Honda's Hayden in the pre-season.

Hayden won last year's title with just two victories to Rossi's five, and the American insists he has no plans to chance his approach this season.

"I just have the same attitude I've always had," Hayden told a press conference ahead of the first race of the season. "I'll try to win races and try to improve.

"I do have the number one plate, but I feel I'm in the same position. I still feel like I'm coming into the season as a bit of an underdog, still have that little chip on my shoulder.

"I'll do all the things I've always done. I definitely don't feel any different and I'm not treating it any differently."

Hayden has had shoulder surgery since the end of 2006 and he is still returning to fitness, although he said he would not be handicapped in the race.

"It feels fine now, it feels strong," he said. "It feels okay now and once I get on the bike it doesn't hurt so it's not really a excuse anymore."

The world champion has failed to shine during winter testing, with his teammate Dani Pedrosa and Rossi looking like the fastest ahead of the first race.

His last test in Qatar was dismal, with two falls hindering his progress even more.

"I've had a few good tests. Obviously this test (in Qatar) was kind of a disaster, putting it mildly," Hayden added.

"It's all going to be really clear in the morning and we'll find out where we are at and then obviously on Saturday we'll try to get ourselves in a good position and see what's up."

Hayden, who will use a new fairing this weekend, finished second in Qatar last year.