Nicky Hayden is to stand in for injured Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa for this weekend’s Michelin® Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Hayden, who won the MotoGP™ World Championship in 2006 with Repsol Honda, also subbed for injured Jack Miller (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) at the Aragon GP in September and took a points-scoring finish. The MotoGP™ Legend will race in Australia ahead of the season finale of the WorldSBK Championship in Qatar the following weekend, where he currently rides for Honda World Superbike Team alongside Michael van der Mark. ‘Kentucky Kid’ Hayden will be on the MotoGP™ grid looking to score more points for Honda as they battle for the Manufacturers' Championship at a circuit he knows well - with three previous podiums at the venue in MotoGP™ and an impressive WorldSBK debut at the track in 2016.
Pedrosa suffered a highside on Friday in Motegi, and broke his right collarbone in the impact. Having returned to Barcelona for successful surgery, the 3-time World Champion is eager to get back on track as soon as possible - but has not yet confirmed a return date.
Dani Pedrosa: “I felt a strong pain for a few days after the operation, but things are starting to get a little bit better now. I left the hospital and I have a check-up scheduled for Wednesday. Only after that will I have a better idea about the recovery time and about when I’ll be able to get back on my bike. I wish also to congratulate Marc and Honda for the title achievement.”
Nicky Hayden: “First of all my best wishes to Dani, I’m sure he will come back stronger than ever like he always does. For me it’s crazy hard work but it’s a chance, ten year after winning my World Title, to get back to my old “dream team”! Doing a week-end in Phillip Island on a factory Honda, it’s pretty emotional for me to even think about it, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity and the trust that Honda gives me. I want also to thank my current team for allowing me to go and do this, and the sponsors. Everybody worked a lot on every detail to make it possible for me so now I’m excited to get on a plane, to get down to Phillip Island and hopefully I can do a good job for the team. Regarding Phillip Island there are two things to always consider, the weather and the tyres but it’s a track I love and I can’t wait to ride the bike there. Let’s get started on Friday morning and go forward”.