Nicky Hayden: It'll be interesting to try Sepang's new asphalt
Ten Kate Honda rider knows Sepang's new surface will play a key role this weekend
WITH THE World Superbike Championship at Sepang in Malaysia for this weekend’s race, Ten Kate Honda rider Nicky Hayden has said that he’s heading to the circuit with little knowledge of how the Pirelli tyres will perform on the recently resurfaced track.
Thanks to his time in MotoGP, Hayden is more familiar with the Sepang than any other rider in WSB but he acknowledges that the new surface will have unknown effects on grip and tyre wear.
Speaking about this challenge, Hayden said:
‘The track is one I know well: it's big, long, wide and has a bit of everything. It'll be interesting to try it again after the recent resurfacing and to see how the tyres will perform with the new asphalt, whether it'll increase or lower the tyre wear and the general grip.
‘In Malaysia, motorcycle racing is becoming more and more popular, especially as motorcycles are increasingly being used as the main vehicle of transportation in the country. This is a top-class venue and the event is always great fun for riders and fans, so I can't wait to get started.’
American Hayden is currently seventh in the 2016 WSB standings.
