P&H Motorcycles News & Events

Nicky Hayden believes chassis changes hindered Ducati in 2011

Nicky Hayden believes major changes to the Ducati bike chassis hurt the team's championship chances.

While conceding that the motorcycle needs changes made to it if he or Moto GP his Ducati teammate are to stand any chance of challenging for the championship, he believes care is needed.

In an interview with Crash.net, he explained: "Normally when you bring in anything new, it takes time to make it work and adjust.

"Last year we brought in new chassis and made big changes during the season, and I would say it hurt us."

Former Ducati teammate Valentino Rossi threw the team into turmoil earlier this month, when he agreed a surprise return to old employers Yamaha.

Rossi has struggled to settle at Ducati, with the seven-time Moto GP champion rarely making the podium at all last season.

Controversially, Rossi will be number two to Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo.

Posted by Marcus Blackburn