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SBK, Hayden: "I can't control the bike yet"

Bradl: "We didn't think we'd be so far from the front, I'd sign up for tenth place right now"

SBK: Hayden: "I can't control the bike yet"

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The road is long for Nicky Hayden and Honda. On day two of testing, the music hasn't really changed, as the American rider still finds himself outside of the top ten with his Fireblade SP2. Despite the difficulties, the American has clear ideas ahead of the race weekend.

What point do you think you're at Nicky?

“We've had two pretty complicated days. We're trying to reduce the gap from the fastest guys, but it's not so easy. We have to be realistic and continue to work, aware of our difficulties. We need time to develop the bike”.

What's the most complicated aspect?

Right now I'm struggling to control the bike. I can't do what I want with it and we're finding it hard. Also, I'm not as consistent as I want to be lap by lap, but the aim is to close the gap”.

What do you expect from the coming days?

“We just need to work, and then not make any mistakes in qualifying. That will be key for the two races”.

Can you be in the top ten?

“I'd say so, we can do it”.

Stefan Bradl leaves us in no doubt. The second day of testing was again an uphill climb for the German rider. While Hayden thinks the top ten is possible, Bradl is not so convinced.

Today was another tough day.   

“My time has improved but I don't have the confidence I need. We're disappointed about the situation, as we're working really hard to improve. Unfortunately, we haven't had the bike long and have a lot of work to do. One big issue is the electronics, in Portimao we didn't start in the right direction. So here we had to start over, we need more time and the race weekend is imminent”.

The feeling is that it will take time for the Fireblade SP2 to reach the levels of the Kawasakis and Ducatis.

We knew we wouldn't be competitive right away, but we didn't think we'd be so far back. During the first two rounds we'll be more or less in the same situation, maybe in Europe something will change, as we'll have new data and some bike updates”.

Are you thinking about the top ten?

It will be very difficult. Nicky is faster than me, but at the same time slower than last year. I'd sign up for tenth place right now if I could”.  

Translated by Heather Watson
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