Hayden expects tough race too

Both Ducatis had struggled with set-up issues in practice, but whereas Casey Stoner was able to make a breakthrough in qualifying and get onto the front row, Hayden's problems continued and he was a second slower and eight places further down the order.

"It hasn't been a good day for us really," Hayden admitted. "The team has worked really hard but we have been dancing around problems.

"I'm suffering a lot of pumping on corner exit and the front is quite harsh over the bumps - it's closing a lot."

He conceded that it was hard to see the situation being much different in the race, though he pledged to do his utmost.

"Eleventh place on the grid is never good and my race pace isn't too hot either," said Hayden. "It's unfortunate and I'm not real happy right now but we'll come back tomorrow and try to make it right."