HAYDEN READY TO BRING BACK AMERICAN GLORY DAYS IN MOTOGP

TEAMCAR - With just five rounds remaining and a healthy 25-point advantage over his closest rival, Nicky Hayden is on the verge of bringing back the glory days of of the American legends in the world's premier motocycling event.

With a total haul of 201 points, Hayden goes into Round 13 at the 2006 Marlboro Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang this weekend in search of his third victory of the season and a mission of strengthening his claims of joining the ranks of fellow Americans Kenny Roberts Sr and Kenny Roberts Jr; Freddie Spencer, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz as champions in the premier class in MotoGP.

"Without doubt, Hayden is currently the top favoruite for the MotoGP world title. A win in Sepang boost his chances to be the world champion by a very long way. Perhaps, more importantly, to neutralise the threat of Valentino Rossi," added Ahmad, who is also the event director for the 2006 Marlboro Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The event starts Friday (September 8) with free practice sessions and Qualifying 1 for the 125cc and 250cc. Saturday (September 9) will feature qualifying for all three categories with the races to be held on Sunday (September 10).

*500cc/MotoGP Malaysian GP Winners*

2001 (Sepang Circuit) - Valentino Rossi (Honda)
2002 (Sepang Circuit) - Max Biaggi (Yamaha)
2003 (Sepang Circuit) - Valentino Rossi (Honda)
2004 (Sepang Circuit) - Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)
2005 (Sepang Circuit) - Loris Capirossi (Ducati)