No expectations for Roger Hayden's debut

The younger brother of Nicky Hayden has been racing for the manufacturer in America, and the team are hoping to use his experience of the track to boost their chances.

However, Hayden has had very little time on the 800cc bike, and he is keeping his own goals in check as well.

"I'm not putting any pressure on myself," he said. "I'd just like it to be a positive experience and if I can score some points, that would be awesome.

"It's a dream come true to race at MotoGP bike at Laguna Seca and it's been years since I raced against Nicky."

Hayden was flown to Japan to test the bike at Autopolis, but team boss Michael Bartholemy has admitted that Hayden will need more time if he is to get comfortable with the bike.

"We don't have any particular expectations of Roger Lee in the race, as his time on the bike so far has been limited," said Bartholemy.

"But we know that he will be out to secure the best possible result for himself, and I hope that he will enjoy the chance to ride Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR in front of his home crowd."