Kevin Schwantz keen on full-time management role

American Kevin Schwantz is hoping his foray into Grand Prix team management this week will be the platform to a permanent role in the future.

The 1993 world 500cc champion will lead an American Honda Moto2 effort at this weekend’s Indianapolis round with Nicky Hayden’s younger brother Roger Lee on board a Moriwaki bike.

Hayden will use Schwantz’s famous number 34 that he used during an illustrious career and Schwantz is hoping this weekend will help him understand more clearly if he wants to pursue a full-time team management role in the future.

He told MCN: “I’ve always said my heart is in Grand Prix racing. If I could find a way to manage a team and try and work on something that can reach winning competitive then I’d love to do it and accept that challenge.

“I’m looking forward to it but never imagined that my first role as team manager would have been with a big wing on my chest, but the opportunity is there so I’m going to take it.”

Assessing Hayden’s prospects in this weekend’s race, Schwantz added: “With his background in 600s then I think he’ll do well. Talking to him about the challenge, I think he’s up for it.

“He’s as fit as I’ve ever seen him and from a hunger standpoint he’s as hungry as he’s ever been given he’s struggling for points in World Superbikes.”

Hayden recently scored a creditable 11th place in the Laguna Seca MotoGP round when he replaced injured French rider Randy de Puniet on the LCR Honda.