Q & A with Nicky Hayden

Q. What are your feelings about the 2008 motorcycle/tyre package? What are the strong points of the new bike?

Nicky Hayden: I think that the big advantage of the new bike is the extra rpm. On the track the extra grunt on top is nice, it just keeps on pulling, but at the moment the power is too peaky, so the engine specialists at HRC have got some work to do before the season opener.

Extra speed doesn't always mean better laptimes but in race situations it's a big edge for overtaking other riders. Everybody is working hard and Honda is hungry to get the title back. Racing the first race of the year under lights is going to be very cool for the riders, fans and everybody involved. I'm really looking forward to that.

Q. Can you tell us about your first 2008 test sessions? How is engine development going?

NH: I like what I have seen so far and we are working on the development of the engine. I hope by the time we line up in Qatar that they will have that new boy ready. I am excited to see what Honda will produce for us.

Q. You are working on development of the pneumatic-valve engine: do you think it will be ready for the first race?

NH: I'm not sure that it will be perfect by the first race, but I think Honda will produce us a real weapon and that it will be ready. Qatar has a long home straight and you need a good engine with plenty of ponies.

Q. Do you think that Michelin has made a step forward compared to last year?

NH: Yes, Michelin have made a nice step forward. Also the wet weather tyres I used at Phillip Island were very impressive, but we won't know the whole story till the first race. MotoGP is never easy but I have confidence in Michelin.

Q. Do you feel less pressure this year? How are you approaching this season?

NH: I feel about the same as far as pressure goes, because every year I want to do my best and make my team and the fans proud. This is not an easy game but we have a great team and a great bike. I am honoured to be on the factory Repsol Honda Team and I don't take this opportunity lightly. I plan to rise up this year and make it happen.

Q. What are your expectations for the 2008 season?

NH: My target for the year is clear - to win the title. I know after last season it may sound like a long shot but I believe that when you do something once you can do it again. We shall soon find out, it's not long to the opener. I can't wait.