New parts fail to lift Hayden's spirits

The American had high hopes that engine developments aimed at producing more power would help him maintain Repsol Honda's recent impressive form.

But although there were slight improvements in top speed, subsequent problems with traction and handling mean that Hayden will almost certainly abandon the new developments overnight and revert to his old setup from tomorrow.

"It was a bit demoralising," said Hayden, who ended the first day eighth overall on the timesheets. "Honda had some time and we had high expectations that some stuff that they tested would be better. But at race pace, it is not better.

"They didn't bring a whole lot. The stuff on the engine was running better, a little bit better, but the driveability, traction (was not good) - it was spinning up and stuff. So we are not sure if we are going to stay with some of the stuff.

"It was definitely not real thrilling. After the first session it was kind of demoralising for the team. I had pretty high expectations with the way things had been going."

Hayden believes that the Brno experience, where Honda were so convinced about the new parts' promise after feedback from test rider Tady Okada, should act as a wake-up call.

He thinks that Honda should be considering testing more in Europe and even entering their testers as wildcard riders to better judge their pace.

"As Suzuka they said that Tady was one of the fastest guys. I have seen him, he can ride, but then you see the lap times he was doing at Motegi and it wasn't (Casey) Stoner's pace.

"I think they should be testing more in Europe, at the races Monday and Tuesday with everybody else and having wildcard races, like Suzuki did at times.

"I think test riders should do a couple of wildcard rides a year. If you are testing you have to be on the limit. We are not testing street bikes."

Despite the events of Friday, Hayden is not giving up on the weekend and thinks that warmer weather could yet see him deliver.

"It is a little bit frustrating, but I have learned in this game giving up is not an option," he said. "I felt like there were some parts of the track where we were not bad. I feel we have more of a chance here than at Laguna. Michelin thinks if it warms up we should be better."