Nicky grabs 16 inch

Reigning world champion Nicky Hayden has already made his mind up that he will start the defence of his MotoGP world title in Qatar on March 10 using Michelin’s new 16-inch front tyre on his Honda 800 V4.

After topping the timesheets in testing at Phillip Island, Hayden said he was convinced he would race the new profile front in Doha. The Kentucky rider said: “I don’t really seem to be any faster with the 16 but I feel a little more comfortable and a little bit more consistent. But as far as downright lap time there is not a lot in it, but for me I think it’s the way for us. Just the turning is better and there’s more contact feel.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll race it. I haven’t gone back and talked to Michelin again but that’s how the feeling was, if I liked it at Phillip Island I’d like it everywhere. That’s the thing to concentrate on.”

Hayden said it was hard to gauge whether the new Michelin 16-inch had closed the gap on Bridgestone, whose front tyre has won global praise, even from some Michelin riders.

The Repsol Honda rider added: “It’s hard to speak for Bridgestone but somebody who has ridden them both would know more. You hear a lot of good things about them and you don’t see too many guys tucking the front on Bridgestone. 

“Obviously it seems like they’ve got a good front tyre but Michelin’s front works pretty good. Michelin is not scared to do some work and they ain’t just backed in to all those championships.”