Brno the next challenge in quest for ‘Open’ victory
Nicky Hayden and Eugene Laverty ready to continue working for a result that has so far eluded them
With their suitcases packed and the bikes loaded into their boxes, the MotoGP riders are on their way back from the USA to Europe this week as they prepare to tackle the eleventh round of the season at Brno. The Czech Republic Grand Prix is the second round in as many weekends but the riders always look forward to visiting one of the fastest and prettiest circuits on the calendar. Its fast, wide layout and series of direction changes at the end of the lap always make for good racing. After Marc Márquez and Jorge Lorenzo closed the gap to him at the top of the championship at Indy, Valentino Rossi would like nothing better than a return to winning ways at the circuit where he celebrated his first ever Grand Prix victory back in 1996.
Victory in the Open class is the only focus for the two POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar riders. Nicky Hayden came close last Sunday at Indianapolis and is determined to find the required improvements to make an even stronger challenge at Brno. After finding a solid set-up for his home race the American is now just hoping for a little more top speed. His teammate Eugene Laverty, who struggled with some discomfort in his left shoulder, is expecting to be completely recovered by this weekend. The Irishman also found a good set-up at Indy and he is confident his bike will be well suited to this track.
Nicky Hayden: “Brno is a great circuit and it’s always a big event there. Unfortunately I didn’t get to race last year. It could be the last time we go there so I am really keen to make sure I sign off with a good result. I guess it won’t be an easy weekend for us because the last sector up the hill is one of the places where you need horsepower the most. At Indianapolis we struggled for top speed so we will have to work hard this weekend to change that. I have got a few ideas for some changes to the electronics that should be effective, or at least get us closer to the other Open Hondas. We will work hard to get the best possible result.”
Eugene Laverty: “I am excited to be racing at Brno next, I think it’s a circuit that will suit the characteristics of our bike and we made some good progress with the set-up last weekend. The bike was running well in the race on Sunday, so it was a shame I had some trouble with my left shoulder although I am sure it will be fine this weekend. Brno is a fun circuit to ride, it’s fast and slowing and we will be working hard to get a result. I haven’t ridden there for a while but I do have some good memories there from my time in Supersport and Superbikes”.