When Nicky Hayden joined the Italian Ducati Team this year to race along¬side Australian Casey Stoner, there were great expectations. It was hoped the American rider would light up the track, but instead he was plagued with bad luck from the start and has had trouble adapting to the new bike.
But the "Kentucky Kid" seems to be fitting in well at his new team.
"The team has worked real¬ly hard to change the bike completely. Then we've had the structural changes and got more Englishspeaking guys in, so that I can communicate with them. We took a big step and are still progressing, but we're feeling positive about it," Hayden said.
This year has not been a good one for Hayden, who was taken out on the first lap in three races - Japan, Italy and Phillip Island, Australia - but remains upbeat.
"The hits have been a good experience and I still enjoy the races. We made mistakes but we have to put them be¬hind us," the 2006 world champion said.
A true professional, Hayden has no time for a holiday. His season ends in November, but he will start preparing for his next campaign the day after his last race.
"We get right back to work, because I love the sport. I love the job and I'm not scared of a little hard work.
"We have to take a big step next year, so none of us have any plans for a vacation."
Hayden likes to underline the important role that both the members of the team and its backers Shell play in their success.
"Fuel and oil play an impor¬tant part in the race. According to the new rule, we are limited to 21 litres of fuel. We have to be careful to get the maximum speed from the fuel we have. I know they [Ducati] work very hard to in¬crease the fuel life with Shell. So this kind of cooperation will get more and more important."