MotoGP: Nicky Hayden says tyre choice crucial for Misano MotoGP

Reigning MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden reckons tyre choice will once again play a pivotal role in this weekend’s Misano MotoGP clash. 

The American said previous experience on tracks like the Sachsenring and Laguna Seca earlier this season would put further emphasis on the already critical tyre choice for Misano.

Laguna Seca and the Sachsenring were both resurfaced for 2007 and with no testing prior to the race, riders and tyre companies had to gamble somewhat on constructions and compounds they anticipated would work.

Nobody has tested at Misano ahead of this weekend’s first return to the San Marino venue since 1993, and Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden told MCN: “I haven’t seen it. I kind of like going to new circuits, it’s a challenge, but it could really come down to tyres.

“Twice this year we’ve been to circuits with new surfaces and the way the tyre rule is. Thursday will be crucial to try and pick the tyres right without any information.”

Nicky Hayden tested a batch of new Michelin rubber at last week’s two-day session in Brno, but said he hadn’t found anything significantly better with the French manufacturer dominated by rivals Bridgestone in the last two races.

Hayden said he tried some rear tyres that were marginally better and added: “They just were a little bit better on the edge grip. I could carry a bit more corner speed.

“I couldn’t do any of the lap times that we saw in Brno, and (Casey) Stoner spanked us pretty good – 13 seconds is a lot.”

Edge grip is where most Michelin riders are currently seeking big improvements and Hayden is no exception as he looks to build on his recent resurgence that has seen him claim three podiums in the last four races.

“Corner speed is their big advantage. Also on the front, they get off the brakes and just tip it on in. We push in at the same speed but they can roll around corners without having to pick up the bike to accelerate.

“They can open the throttle more on the edge of the tyre,” added the 26-year-old Kentucky rider.