Highlights

Hayden looks to return to form in Malaysia

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-09-08 09:23

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7?- World championship leader Nicky Hayden is hoping his extensive knowledge of the Sepang circuit will help him return to winning form at the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The American Repsol Honda rider finished a disappointing ninth at last month's Czech Grand Prix in Brno but holds a 25-points championship lead over Spanish team mate Dani Pedrosa with five races remaining.

"We've got to bounce back after the bad luck at Brno," said Hayden.

"Sepang is a track we know well from testing and I like it. In fact, there are a few tracks coming up that I like.

"I'll pretty well approach these races like I have all year. I'll try to be smart and consistent and fight for the best result each weekend."

Sepang kicks off three "flyaway" races in as many weekends in Malaysia, Australia and Japan that could see the championship race turned on its head before the circuit heads back to Europe.

Pedrosa, third in Brno last month behind Italian Ducati Marlboro rider Loris Capirossi and world champion Valentino Rossi, is among the favourites for Sunday having previously won at Sepang in the 250cc and 125cc categories.

"We've already tested at Sepang and I've done many laps and this will give us a better starting point for the weekend," said Pedrosa.

"The heat and humidity of Sepang is really high and this is something you have to take into account. It's not a problem though because you expect it and prepare for it."

ROSSI THREAT

Camel Yamaha's Rossi, 38 points behind Hayden in third place, is also a threat with three wins and two second places in the last seven races.

The seven-times world champion has won three times in the last five years at Sepang and his second place last year clinched the 2005 title.

Italian Fortuna Honda rider Marco Melandri is fourth in the standings on 161 points, 40 behind Hayden, while Capirossi lies fifth on 151 points.

In the 250cc class, Fortuna Aprilia's Jorge Lorenzo of Spain continues his battle with Italy's Humangest Racing rider Andrea Dovizioso for the title. Lorenzo, with six wins this season, leads Dovizioso by seven points with five races left.

Spaniard Alvaro Bautista takes a huge 69-point lead over Finn Mika Kallio into Sepang in the 125cc championship. Master MVA rider Bautista won in Brno last month with Red Bull KTM GP's Kallio in second place.