[Acidreign]

By Alan Baldwin
LONDON, March 7 (Reuters) - Nicky Hayden begins the defence of his MotoGP title in Qatar on Saturday, knowing already that he must raise his game to fend off a vengeful Valentino Rossi.

"It's going to be a proud moment lining up with that number one plate on the front of my bike -- it's something I've dreamed of since I was a kid," said the 25-year-old Kentucky rider, who last year ended Italian Rossi's five-year reign.

"But really that's last year's story and we've got to come out of the gate fast and fight to defend this title right from the first session," added the American in a Honda team preview.

"There's no time to take the glory and relax. We were quick in some of the tests over the winter and made some good progress with this new bike, though the test here in Qatar didn't go too smoothly.

"So I'm going to have to raise my game, starting this weekend."

Hayden won the title with just two race victories last season and after going into the final round behind Yamaha's Rossi in the standings.

The American has had shoulder surgery since the championship ended and is still returning to fitness. Two falls in pre-season testing in Qatar did not help, although he said he would not be handicapped in the race.

"The shoulder's pretty much fixed up now and though I haven't got all the movement back, it's plenty strong enough to ride the bike," Hayden said. "We've put in a lot of miles since the operation and it's felt stronger every time."

Hayden finished second in Qatar last year but Rossi remains the favourite after two victories from his last two appearances at the Losail circuit.

Until last year, when he made a nightmare start to the season, the first race of the campaign has routinely been a Rossi victory parade.

The charismatic Italian is raring to go, his mood very different to last year when he struggled with the handling of his machine, in a new-look championship and a team now sponsored by carmaker Fiat.

As well as smaller bikes, with a reduction in capacity from 990cc to 800cc, they also have smaller fuel tanks and are limited on the number of tyres a rider can use over the course of the weekend.

Rossi senses that this could once again be his year after a strong showing in the final Jerez test in Spain.

"We're going to the first race feeling confident and happy," said the 28-year-old.

"Last year we had some problems at the final test that left us feeling worried going to the first race but more than anything Jerez proved that we're in a very different situation to last year.

"I like Qatar a lot, it's fast and fun to ride," he continued. "Of course it's quite hot and dusty so tyre choice will be very important, especially with the new rules."

Rossi has identified Hayden's Spanish Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa as his main title rival but there are also his compatriots to worry about.

Loris Capirossi, who took pole position in Qatar in 2005 and qualified second last year, remains a threat on his Ducati.

"This year is so important for me because I know I don't have too many more seasons in me, maybe one, maybe two, maybe more, I'm not sure," Capirossi said.

"So I am more determined than ever to do my best."

American Colin Edwards, Rossi's team mate, will also be a contender for what would be his first MotoGP victory.

In the 250cc class, Spain's Jorge Lorenzo defends his title with 125cc champion and compatriot Alvaro Bautista moving up from 125cc.

(Editing by John O'Brien, Asia Sports Desk; Reuters Messaging)

[fl-929]

I just want to see Dani and Nicky boxing in the pits

[firebladetoronto]

Originally Posted by fl-929

I just want to see Dani and Nicky boxing in the pits

Ya, wanna see Nicky plunk in the head....one good shot!