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SBK, Hayden: Laguna Seca is special, I don't want to mislead

The American: "Realistic about our potential". van der Mark: "The goal is top 5, but if we could get a podium..."

Hayden: Laguna Seca is special, I don't want to mislead

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The name of the track alone tell you it will be a special weekend . Laguna Seca is Nicky Hayden's home track. A track that the American knows down to the last detail, having scored his first historic MotoGP win there. A chance not to be missed for the Kentucky Kid, who will count on the support of his fans: “I can't wait for Friday, to get on track and take on the corners and the corkscrew - declared #69 – it's my home track, and there's always an incredible atmosphere”.

After the bittersweet round at Misano, the Honda rider knows it won't be easy to keep pace with Kawasaki and Ducati. Last year it was the red bike that triumphed, thanks to Davies' double win: “I realise that the fans have high expectations, but we have to be realistic about our potential – he admitted –  Rea, Sykes and Davies have great pace, but I'll definitely be giving it my all to get the best possible result”.

Hayden nevertheless promises: “I'll try to ensure the fans a good time and make my team happy”.

In California Michael van der Mark also wants to play a starring role. The podium earned at Misano three weeks ago has clearly added to the Dutchman's motivation and now he's looking for confirmation: “The result at the last race has helped me regain those positive sensations I had at the start of the season – he said – also we saw positive results during Monday's test at Misano”.

The Honda has no doubts as to his goal:“I want to finish top five– he confirmed - if we could get a podium before the holidays it would be something incredible. I can't wait to get on the bike, because I like the track and there's always a great atmosphere”.   

Translated by Heather Watson
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