Hayden rues error in last sector

The reigning world champion had struggled in practice and for the majority of Friday's qualifying session, but he was able to break into the top 10 on his final lap of the session.

Hayden will start the first race of the season from ninth on the grid, and he admitted that he is still lacking confidence with the front end of the bike.

"The third row isn't really where I hoped to be starting the first race of the year," he said.

"We're just trying to get the front end right so that I'm able to roll around these corners and not have to do so much stop-and-go riding."

However, despite the problems he is facing with the new 800cc bike, Hayden is trying to focus on making a solid start to the season on Saturday.

"The bottom line is that I've got to come in here tomorrow, do my part and get the most out of the bike," he said.

Hayden's teammate Dani Pedrosa fared slightly better by qualifying fifth on the grid, however the Spaniard is not convinced that he can challenge the riders ahead of him.

"For the race I hope to be fighting at the front," he said, "Our set-up is just about there, but some of the other riders are looking pretty fast so it may be difficult."