Hayden hates Honda

Reigning world MotoGP champ Nicky Hayden hates his 800cc Honda and is becoming increasingly vocal about it.

After a miserable result at Mugello on the weekend (placing tenth), the American Repsol Honda rider said: "I can not really find anything that I like with this bike, it just does not feel comfortable to me. Every time I really try to push I end up off line or on the ground."

TV commentator and former GP rider Daryl Beattie has commented that the new 800 doesn't suit Hayden's 'back it into corners' riding style, which was a better match for the big 990cc machines of last year.

Hayden's machine was running a revised front-end for last weekend's race, but this still wasn't enough to lift his results or morale.

"The machine just didn't feel planted in a lot of the fast corners here [at Mugello]," Hayden said.

"The balance wasn't right and every time I tried to push harder I was right on the limit and had a few moments. Me and the team are going to be working hard to improve things for the next race in Catalunya," he added.

Meanwhile he is nominating Aussie Casey Stoner as a strong chance to take over the title – even with Valentino Rossi breathing getting back in form.

"Rides like Stoner's at Le Mans can win a championship, that's for sure," he said.

"I tell you what, they can say what they like about Stoner, but at Le Mans that Ducati engine didn't help him in the rain and he rode a really smart, championship race," Hayden opined.