Hayden: It was nasty – and I mean nasty

Nicky Hayden was shocked by conditions in practice at Phillip Island today and he said the wind was the big issue, rather than the rain. Despite that though, he was on the pace and finished up third overall – albeit almost half a second off pace-setter Jorge Lorenzo.

“Those were nasty conditions… I mean nasty," Hayden said. “It wasn't so much the wet but the wind. It was really strong and for me it took a little while to get comfortable with being blown around so much.

“Other than that the bike worked well in the wet. We made a little bit of a change to help the bike turn, keeping some weight on the front, for the second run and I was able to go okay. My pace wasn't too bad.

“Obviously it could be all for nothing if the forecast is right and the conditions are dry from here on but at this track you have to be prepared for anything and take advantage of every situation. We're in the top three and very close in the wet so that's a good sign.

“Anyway, we'll see what the conditions are like tomorrow and try to take advantage of whatever they are."