MotoGP – Donington Park – Hayden falls, gets back on the bike and finishes 17th

For Nicky Hayden this could, and perhaps for his morale it should have, been the race in which to redeem a season which so far has given him almost only disappointments. And to tell the truth he had all the requirements to be one: Kentucky Kid was fast all weekend and managed to qualify on the second row during the official practice session. Everything seemed to be in order: even his start wasn't bad: despite losing a few positions, the reigning world champion managed to stay in the leading group. Unfortunately, that mid-race slide took him out of contention. Nicky managed to restart, but he was unable to go beyond seventeenth place.

“The bike felt good right from the start of the race and I was trying to be patient when some riders passed me and I started chasing them. It looked like I could be faster, although when Stoner passed me I was having trouble seeing due to the spray. I thought I could reach the head and I was having fun. Then at the top of the hill I got too hot and lost the front. I got passed once or twice and didn't want to be relegated further. I felt it really good everywhere, except when braking, where I was a little weak. Some were really strong there, although I think I had better exit grip and better traction. I dropped out of the race, but it wasn't as if I crashed while I was at the back fighting. In the end I was in front and so I'm coming out of this weekend in a positive way. Being the fastest in the rain on Saturday morning was a great achievement for me and in the end I felt much more competitive compared to the rest of the season.

Marika Farinazzo