Hayden expects to be unaffected by Qatar crash

Nicky Hayden had been expecting to start Friday’s practice session for the Polini Grand Prix of Japan fully recovered from his Qatar highside. The American revealed on Thursday, however, that he would have to wait just a little bit longer to put the incident behind him.

“I got checked out again at home; no disrespect to the hospital in Qatar, but it’s always good to get your own doctor and people you trust to look you over,” said Hayden. “I went today to get the two stitches in my chest taken out, but the doctors said that it wasn’t ready yet so we’ll keep those in. They don’t bother me at all, apart from itching sometimes.”

Whilst the qualifying hit undoubtedly affected his performance at Losail, the Ducati Marlboro rider believes that he is starting in near-perfect condition this weekend, aided by the location of his back bruising.

“I’m not at 100% for some things, but the motorcycle position is no problem for me. My sleep wasn’t affected, and being in my own bed certainly helped. It just shows how much things like back braces, helmets and boots have progressed that I can take a crash like that and be OK.”