"I don’t believe in Lucky Shorts"

24-year-old American Nicky Hayden, currently leading the MotoGP overall standings, is among the favourites for the World Championship title – and he knows it. In the second part of this interview he reveals how he pushes himself to winning the title, where he can switch off and what he expects from the next race in the Netherlands.

The race calendar makes for a full programme. How do you actually spend the time between races?
With more MotoGP. I’m aware that my chances to win the title have never been better than this year. So I try to use every opportunity to keep fit and improve my performance.

What does that mean exactly?
I watch videos of races; video observation always provides important insights, which one might be able to use in the next race. And I try to fit in additional training units as often as possible.

The next Grand Prix will take place in the Netherlands on Saturday. What are you expecting from this race?
That it will be very hard. And I hope it goes off without a mass pile-up.

And in the eighth race of the season you could finish on the podium for the seventh time ...
Yes, but that’s not really my goal. My goal is clear: I want to win. After all, that’s what it’s all about.

Sooner or later one has to switch off from racing. Where’s your favourite place to do that?
It’s classic, but the best way for me to switch off is with my family and my friends. Obviously I have little time for that during the World Championships, but when I do have the time it gives me a lot of strength.

What is the most significant event in your career so far?
Definitely my victory in the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix last year. The feeling of standing at the very top of the podium, seeing all the cheering people and hearing them sing the national anthem … that does give one goose-bumps.

And the most bitter moment?
Fortunately I haven’t had any really bad moments so far.

No set-backs at all?
Of course there are set-backs. Failures are damned frustrating, but one just has to learn from them. That’s why I don’t want to complain about them.

Are you superstitious?
No, not really. I don’t wear particular items of clothing, such as lucky underwear or lucky socks. I don’t believe in that sort of thing, because I think that everyone is mainly responsible for their own good luck and can work at it. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do.