Hayden aims to return in Sepang

Nicky Hayden is targeting a riding return in time for the next major MotoGP test at Sepang in late January, after his shoulder operation at the weekend.

Hayden needed treatment for injuries sustained and exacerbated by the Dani Pedrosa incident at Estoril. A fracture in his right shoulder and an old collarbone injury were treated, at a clinic in California.

He will be in a sling for the next fortnight, and said: “I actually feel pretty good already.

“I’ll be off bikes for a while but my trainer, is going to get me back doing some cardio work next week and I’m definitely looking forward to that.

“It’s obviously been a great year all round and I’m glad I’ve had the shoulder fixed because it means I can now begin to prepare for the defence of this title.”