Hayden happier in Qatar

Reigning world champion Nicky Hayden admitted he felt as happy as he has done all winter on Honda’s new RC212V as he finished the opening day in Qatar with the fifth best time.

The American was only 0.296s slower than compatriot Colin Edwards who logged the best time, though a new bigger fairing and engine upgrades Hayden hoped would be ready in time haven’t been shipped to the Middle East.

Hayden clocked a best time of 1.57.070 and he said: “I definitely felt like I came out of the gate much better today, and this is the best first day of any test I’ve had on this bike. We still got plenty of work to do. The bike didn’t work too good over the bumps today but I didn’t really get with anybody to see where we are at on the straight.”

Repsol Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa was only 10th fastest.