MotoGP Mugello - Hayden 'not expecting miracles'

Ducati's Nicky Hayden isn't expecting to perform miracles at this weekend's Mugello MotoGP round even though the GP13 he champions was built using the track as a test base.

Unless it rains, the 2006 world champion and team-mate Andrea Dovizioso have virtually no hope of challenging for a podium but he says a good performance in front of the home crowd is possible.

“Of course we’re extremely excited to go to Mugello. It’s a great race at a great track with a great atmosphere – really one of the best GPs of the year, especially when you’re riding a Ducati! Our bike was built around the circuit, so it works well there; the straightaway suits the Desmosedici because you come onto it so fast," said the American.

"It’s a tough track – really challenging, technical and physical, with a lot of blind sections and elevation changes – but it’s one that I like a lot. We’re not expecting miracles, but I think we can do well. The Italian Ducati fans have stuck with us through a lot, and it would be nice to leave Mugello with a result they can all be proud of.”

By MotoGP desk

Image by Bonnie Lane