Source: Supplied.

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider Nicky Hayden raced to an impressive 15th place result yesterday at the Motorland Aragon grand prix, positioning himself within the points despite the weekend being a one-off return to the MotoGP World Championship.

Hayden switched to the WorldSBK series for 2016, however he was drafted into the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS team to fulfil the vacant position left by injured Australian Jack Miller, who is currently sidelined due to an ongoing hand injury.

While the 2006 MotoGP world champion initially struggled to adapt to the Honda RC213V to qualify in 19th, he was able to become well acquainted with the machine when it counted throughout the 23-lap race, making several valuable passes in the opening laps.

“I would have to say that the race was my best part of the weekend,” Hayden explained. “I underestimated on Friday how long it would take to get up to speed with the package, particularly with the Michelin tyres and certainly the front tyre. I started too far behind on Friday but in the race I was able to have a battle with Pirro, Barbera and Laverty who were all two seconds faster than me on the first day.”

“I got a good start and really enjoyed battling with a few guys and the more laps I made the better I felt. I wish it was like World Superbikes and we got another chance to line up because I think with the experience gained I could do a better job.”

Hayden will now return to his regular role in WorldSBK, while Miller is expected to line-up at the Japanese grand prix next month providing that the fractures in his hand have healed.