Jerez MotoGP: Nicky Hayden fourth again

Nicky Hayden admitted he was hoping to have posed a more serious podium threat after he finished yesterday’s Spanish MotoGP race in a distant fourth place.

The American held third place for the opening ten laps before he was powerless to stop a hard charging Jorge Lorenzo from relegating him back down to fourth.

Hayden, who also finished fourth in the season’s opening race in Qatar, was unable to chase the Spaniard as he closed down Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.

But the 2006 world champion was able to fend off a late challenge from factory Ducati team-mate Casey Stoner.   

It was the first time Hayden has beaten Stoner in the 15 races they have started together and the former Repsol Honda rider said: “The bike was better in the morning warm-up and I could get in the 39s but in the race I was missing a couple of tenths.

“They were certainly quicker than me and I just couldn’t really hold on. I was hoping like in Qatar that I could find something in the race but it didn’t really happen.

“Realistically it was still a pretty good result to build on. I’d have liked to have been closer because nine seconds is a lot after being so close in Qatar.”

Hayden, who has one podium finish for Ducati’s factory team in 19 races, said he would not get carried away with another promising ride in the top four.

He added: “Two races isn’t enough. In this sport I’ve learned that any time you get more confident or too cocky you can have a fall. I’ve got to stay humble and hungry.

“The next race in Le Mans will be a big challenge because it is the only track on the calendar I’ve never had a front row or a podium. I’ve always had a nightmare there.”