The MotoGP is returning to Europe this weekend. The bikes will be roaring around the track of Le Mans in France. Nicky Hayden, who is going through a difficult time both on and off the track, is hoping for a good result.

Nicky Hayden previews at the GP of France

“I really need to get a good result for myself and for the team in France, and we’ll definitely be going all out for that. I wouldn’t say Le Mans is one of my favourite tracks, but that’s just probably because I have never had a very good result there, which can take the fun out of any track I guess. So I hope all that changes this weekend.

We’ve still got some distance to go to get the bike working for me and put ourselves in a position to fight for wins, but the guys are right behind me and I know Honda’s pushing hard to improve the performance – and Michelin too.

Things have been tough this year, and when I heard the news on Sunday in China that my little cousin had been killed in a flat-track accident it really put things back in perspective quickly. That was a tough one for sure that hit too close to home, but I just hope to get a solid result in his memory this weekend. Honestly though after the week and all that’s happened, I really can’t wait to get back in saddle, and to the sport I love.”