MotoGP Valencia test - Hayden finds 'solid base'

Aspar Honda's Nicky Hayden found a solid setup base from which to work on the first day of MotoGP testing on board the production RCV1000R he rode for the first time today at Valencia.

The former world champion put in a massive 76 laps on the production racer as rain is forecast at the Spanish track tomorrow and he wanted to get as much done as possible. He ended with a 1'32.576 which was faster than team-mate Hiro Aoyama managed yesterday and two-tenths quicker than his best race lap from Sunday on the Ducati.

“It was exciting to get to work with a new team and a new bike. This is a new project and there is a long road ahead but that's what makes it so interesting. I really enjoyed my first contact with the bike. There is a lot to learn and I need to build a relationship with the mechanics but I am really happy with today for a first shakedown," said Hayden.

"The team has helped me a lot and I had a lot of engineers around me all day. We can see how much work there is to do but the base is solid. We couldn't have had better conditions to ride in today. It would have been nice to finish with some stronger lap times but overall we're happy.”

By MotoGP desk

Image by Bonnie Lane