Hayden hopes third marks turning point

The 2006 world champion has had a poor season so far - failing to take a podium in the first six races and finishing a lowly 13th in Italy last week.

But at Catalunya today, Hayden held provisional pole until being usurped by his factory Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa and Ducati's Casey Stoner in the closing moments.

He held on for third, his first front row start since the 2007 finale at Valencia.

"It's nice to be back on the front row," Hayden said.

"I really enjoyed the qualifying today: it was going a little bit faster with each lap and it's fun when it goes like that.

"The team have worked really hard, it hasn't been easy for those guys this year. Thanks to my team and everybody who stuck in my corner.

"Hopefully this will be the little something that turns things around for us."

Despite his improved qualifying form, Hayden said he was taking nothing for granted in tomorrow's race.

"We'll see what the weather does tomorrow - we're kind of in-between on some tyre choices," he said.

"It will be tough to be back here (in the top three press conference) tomorrow, but we'll see what happens."