Hayden doesn't expect victories in '07

The reigning world champion has enjoyed some positive results in recent races after a difficult first half of the season, but he still believes there is a lot of work to do.

"There's still six races to go but we need to take a big step if we don't want to get shut out this year as far as winning a race," said the American.

"To be back on the podium is good, and we were a lot closer in Brno, but Casey (Stoner) still spanked us by 13 seconds, and that's a lot."

Hayden believes that Honda have made a lot of progress in recent weeks though, and he is hoping that his results continue to improve as well.

"We definitely have made some progress in the last few races to be closer, back to where we need to be," he said.

"The team has done some good work, and I feel that I'm riding the bike a bit better now than I was, so hopefully we can keep climbing the charts."

The 26-year-old also said that his motivation has not suffered at all during his relatively unsuccessful year as world champion.

"I'm quite excited about the last part of the season, even though that might sound strange," he said. "But motivation has never been a problem, and we are looking forward to the last six races."

Hayden is currently eighth in the MotoGP standings, and nearly half of his points have come from three third place finishes in the last four races.