Nicky Hayden is the MotoGP champion 2006. Here is what the world had to say about the Kentucky Kid who became the Kentucky King.
“Defying logic and all predictions, the American became World Champion. In Estoril all seemed lost, but Hayden’s perseverance won him the title."
La Gazzetta dello sport, Italy
“The MotoGP, which Rossi has dominated ever since it was established, has found a second champion.”
Le Soir, France
“In a season that was thrilling right to the last race, Hayden joined the ranks of biking luminaries thanks to his perseverance.”
El Pais, Spain
“Hayden has remained down-to-earth despite having already earned several million dollars in his racing career. He is a World Champion without star pretensions.”
Financial Times, Germany
“King Rossi loses his grip on the track. This year, the magician at the wheel was finally assailable. But it will be exciting to see how Hayden performs next year in the internal duel against Pedrosa.”
Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Switzerland
“The championship appeared to have been snatched from Hayden's grasp after he crashed out of the penultimate Grand Prix in Portugal. But Hayden never gave up hope and eventually managed to break Rossi's stranglehold on the title.”
Daily Mirror, UK
“Hayden, visibly shaking with emotion as tears ran down his cheeks, collapsed to his knees as he lit a series of firecrackers on the Ricardo Tormo track.”
Washington Post, USA
“He gave it his all, and snatched the championship from the grasp of one of the greatest riders of all time.”
“It has been a great fight with him this year – not like in the past with other riders when there have always been some polemics – and we have great respect for each other.“
Valentino Rossi
“We didn’t change anything with the settings after the warm-up as we’d been happy since yesterday’s practice sessions. I think Nicky will continue to do well when we make the switch to the 800cc bikes – great riders can adapt to anything.“
Pete Benson, Chief Mechanic
Hayden and Rossi competing in Valencia
Nicky Hayden
Fans surrounding Nicky Hayden in the paddock
Nicky Hayden on the winners' podium in Valencia