By Glenn Freeman

Nicky Hayden’s brother Tommy has been trying to help the world champion adapt to riding his 800cc bike after his difficult start to the season.

The American is already 28 points behind Valentino Rossi in the standings after just two races, and his brother, who races in the AMA Superbike series in America, visited him at the post-event test in Spain last week.

“I have to say a big thanks to Tommy for coming over and trying to help me adjust to the new style needed to ride the 800.

To have somebody to talk to about a few things, there’s nobody better than my big brother.”

Hayden also praised his Repsol Honda team, and said that he feels they are completely behind him as he tries to get back to the front of the field.

“I really believe that the team and HRC are behind me. They want results just as bad as me, and we’re going to get things straight.”