Ducati Marlboro Team’s Nicky Hayden snatched third from MotoGP championship leader Jorge Lorenzo in the final corner at the inaugural event at Motorland Aragón on Sunday and he was delighted to get back on the podium.
Hayden stuck doggedly to the tail of Lorenzo throughout the race and a perfectly timed pass on the last lap onto the back straight gave the American the position. It was his first rostrum since Indianapolis last year – and with Casey Stoner first, it was the squad’s first double podium since 2007.
“It feels great to be back on the podium and I really enjoyed myself today,” said Hayden. “The bike has been working really well all weekend and in the race I was able to get a good start and stay with Jorge. There wasn't really anywhere I could get a wheel in and over the last couple of laps he pushed hard to get away but I decided that fourth wasn't good enough for me today.
“I did a bit of a backyard move in the chicane over there and managed to hold him off to the line. It's nice to be on the podium, it has been a really good weekend for us and for the team, the sponsors and the supporters.
“I'm glad we could be up here today. We'll try to do it again a few more times before the season's over!”
Team Manager Vittoriano Guareschi added: “Nicky was fantastic because he kept up a strong pace throughout the race.
“He never gave Lorenzo the chance to escape and fought with him right to the end and came out with a podium.”
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