2014 Nicky Hayden Interview
Following five years with Ducati, the American Nicky Hayden joined the Drive M7 Aspar team for the 2014 MotoGP Championship.
But from the first outset on the Open-class Honda RCV1000R, the Kentuckian was lacking performance. He struggled throughout the pre-season, but managed an eight-place finish at the opening round in Qatar.
And this would be his best finish in the opening eight rounds so far in 2014 MotoGP. Besides the under-performing RCV1000R, Hayden also was dealing with a reoccurring wrist injury that plagued him since Valencia (2011). At that race, Hayden crashed, breaking his throttle-hand’s scaphoid.
He underwent surgery in 2013 to cure some pain, but this only offered temporary relief. Ahead of this year’s Catalunya MotoGP (round seven), Hayden underwent another surgery. He would race at Catalunya, finishing 12th.
But the pain remains, and at Assen two weeks ago, Hayden continued to struggle, finishing 17th.
Ahead of this weekend’s German Grand Prix at Sachsenring, Hayden discussed the injury, along with his season so far and the future. The entire interview is attached above.
As of this writing, Hayden is 13th in the point standings with 27 points.