Nicky Hayden – MotoGP champion!
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 7:33 am
Nicky Hayden – MotoGP champion!
Thursday, November 29, 2006 - Honda Press Release
Repsol Honda’s Nicky Hayden became the final 990cc MotoGP champion of the modern era after a thrilling showdown at the final round of the series at Valencia.
Despite being eight-points down on Valentino Rossi and his Yamaha, a series of mistakes by the former World Champion led to the Italian having to play catch-up to the young American. With Nicky comfortably in second place, Rossi fell on lap five while in seventh place, as he desperately tried to make up places on the Honda rider.
Rossi re-mounted and battled bravely back to 13th place at the flag, but it wasn’t enough to stop Hayden taking the title. Nicky eventually finished third behind the two Marlboro Ducatis.
After the race, Nicky said: "When you dedicate your life to something and the dream comes true it feels so good. This is a proud day for me, the team and my family."
The MotoGP title adds to the Bennetts British Superbike title won by Ryuichi Kiyonari and British Supersport title won by Cal Crutchlow – the fourth straight title for the all-conquering CBR600. In World Supersport 600s, Sebastien Charpentier retained his title when Kevin Curtain fell off his Yamaha. This is the fifth title in a row for Honda and the Ten Kate team. Ten Kate’s James Toseland finished the 2006 season strongly to take the runner-up place in the World Superbike series, meanwhile CAS Honda’s Ken De Dycker took the British MX1 title.
Thursday, November 29, 2006 - Honda Press Release
Repsol Honda’s Nicky Hayden became the final 990cc MotoGP champion of the modern era after a thrilling showdown at the final round of the series at Valencia.
Despite being eight-points down on Valentino Rossi and his Yamaha, a series of mistakes by the former World Champion led to the Italian having to play catch-up to the young American. With Nicky comfortably in second place, Rossi fell on lap five while in seventh place, as he desperately tried to make up places on the Honda rider.
Rossi re-mounted and battled bravely back to 13th place at the flag, but it wasn’t enough to stop Hayden taking the title. Nicky eventually finished third behind the two Marlboro Ducatis.
After the race, Nicky said: "When you dedicate your life to something and the dream comes true it feels so good. This is a proud day for me, the team and my family."
The MotoGP title adds to the Bennetts British Superbike title won by Ryuichi Kiyonari and British Supersport title won by Cal Crutchlow – the fourth straight title for the all-conquering CBR600. In World Supersport 600s, Sebastien Charpentier retained his title when Kevin Curtain fell off his Yamaha. This is the fifth title in a row for Honda and the Ten Kate team. Ten Kate’s James Toseland finished the 2006 season strongly to take the runner-up place in the World Superbike series, meanwhile CAS Honda’s Ken De Dycker took the British MX1 title.