MotoGP: Nicky Hayden looking for more improvement from Michelin

Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden reckons he is still looking for a significant improvement from Michelin, with just two winter tests remaining before the new season starts in Qatar next month.

Repsol Honda rider Hayden believes Michelin can still improve as the French tyre giant tries to retaliate after being humbled by rivals Bridgestone in 2007.

Many expected a fierce backlash from Michelin in 2008, not least because its heavy defeat to Bridgestone last season was followed by Valentino Rossi’s controversial move to the Japanese tyre brand.

But Nicky Hayden, who was on track again earlier this week in Sepang, was also largely unconvinced about the performance of Michelin’s new tyres for the second test in succession.

“I can’t say we have made a huge step in the tyre department,” the Kentucky rider told MCN.

“I can see the effort they have put in which is good but I’d be lying if I said I’d seen a huge improvement on the spec tyres I was using to set the bike up.

“Some guys have found stuff they like but I haven’t come across any tyres that I absolutely fell in love with.”