Hayden: Honda's engine still needs work

Hayden has been experimenting with a new pneumatic-valve engine in pre-season testing and, although happy with the step forward it has given the Japanese manufacturer, he thinks more will be needed before Qatar.

"I think that the big advantage of the new bike is the extra rpm," he said during a press conference for Repsol in Spain.

"On the track the extra grunt on top is nice, it just keeps on pulling, but at the moment the power is too peaky, so the engine specialists at HRC have got some work to do before the season opener.

"Extra speed doesn't always mean better lap times but in race situations it's a big edge for overtaking other riders. Everybody is working hard and Honda is hungry to get the title back.

He added: "I like what I have seen so far and we are working on the development of the engine. I hope by the time we line up in Qatar that they will have that new boy ready. I am excited to see what Honda will produce for us."