Fully behind the Kentucky Kid

It was another good display at Sepang for Nicky Hayden as he finished a solid fourth after a great battle with his Repsol Honda successor next year.

Just watching Hayden close down Dovizioso you could tell it was like a red rag to a bull and every ounce of me knew that Nicky would have a good go like we know he can. Nicky got by the Italian rider but could not make it stick and after making an error Nicky could only get within a whisker of Dovizioso by the chequered flag.

I am a huge fan of the Kentucky Kid and believe that he has had a hard time at Honda since his championship winning year. I have never for one minute thought that Hayden has lost motivation or that his Moto GP title was a fluke but next year could be a make or break season for him. I think the Ducati will suit his all out action style but one will not put a lot of money on it after the terrible season Marco Melandri has had onboard the screaming Desmosedici.

Nicky has had some inspirational performances onboard the Respol since the new era of 800cc came around, my particular favourite was Assen 2007 coming from way back on the grid and tracking Valentino Rossi to come through and score a podium after Valentino went into Rossi mode to outride Casey Stoner. Nicky needs a strong finish to the season and a real good start in 2009 and I think he’s got more world titles in him.