Hayden happy with first pole of 2007

Today's pole at Estoril, the fifth of the Repsol Honda rider's career, was Hayden's first since the Australian Grand Prix in September 2006.

"I haven't had a whole lot to be happy about this year, but to be on pole is really nice, I'm really happy," the American told Italia1 television.

"So big thanks to my team, they've done a great job throughout the sessions and we'll see what we've got tomorrow."

Hayden believes today's pole position had its foundation in his choice of tyres. He explained that on Thursday afternoon he and his crew chief Pete Benson changed their choice of qualifiers at the last minute, going to a 'one lap only' softer option.

Riders have to make their choice of 14 front tyres and 17 rears, with the usual option of two qualifiers, before 5 pm local time on Thursday.

"Our qualifiers are working so well at the moment," said Hayden. "We made a last minute change on Thursday afternoon when we went with a softer qualifier and it certainly paid off."

The American, however, is unsure whether the choice will pay dividends in the race, when he said that: "for one lap, throwing it sideways around the last corner works, but for 28 of them tomorrow..."

Hayden believes that this third front row start on the bounce is a result of work done at HRC, as they try to fight back after taking just one victory out of 13 races so far in the 800cc era that started at the beginning of 2007.

"We've taken advantage of every test," said Hayden. "I mean, if you look back at Misano and Brno from sun up to sun down we were the first one out and the last one in."

Honda's only other pole position of the year was teammate Dani Pedrosa's at round two at Jerez.