Nicky Hayden still a doubt for Misano; Valentino Rossi prepares for 'special' race

Hayden has missed the last two MotoGP races as a result of the injuries he suffered in a massive high side which left him temporarily unconscious during qualifying at Indianapolis.

While Hayden said he felt capable of riding at Brno, his injuries forced his absence, leaving Valentino Rossi as Ducati's sole representative.

The American will at least join the Italian outfit for its second home race of 2012 at Misano, although he said he will gauge his progress against the state of his injuries.

"I can't wait to get back on the track, but I know that it won't be easy this weekend," Hayden said.

"My hand is improving and one of the two fractures is healing quickly, while the other metacarpal still has a pretty good fracture line.

"Braking on these MotoGP bikes puts a lot of stress on the right hand, particularly on a clockwise circuit like Misano.

"Nevertheless, racing at one of Ducati's home tracks is something that I enjoy, and I certainly hope to be able to do the race."

Team manager Vittoriano Guareschi said the team would assess Hayden on the Friday of Misano, saying: "Over the past few weeks, Nicky has undergone rehabilitation while keeping up with his training, and on Friday morning we'll see how his hand reacts to the stress of riding the bike, especially on braking."

Valentino Rossi meanwhile said he was preparing for a 'special atmosphere' at what will be his final home-soil race with the Desmosedici before he rejoins Yamaha for 2013.

"Misano is one of two home races for us, so there will be a lot of fans and a very special atmosphere, as is always the case when we race in Italy," he said.

"The track is challenging and difficult, but I like it a lot. It has some really fun sections, such as the exit from the Tramonto corner and the big, fast corners after the back straight.

"We'll have to work well in the practice sessions in order to fight and to try and do a nice race."

Rossi currently lies eighth in the riders' championship, with Hayden ninth despite his recent absence.