Nicky Hayden was honored as a MotoGP Legend on Friday in Valencia, Spain, for his many accomplishments in Grand Prix racing’s premier class. The 34-year-old American is credited with 28 podiums, five pole positions, three race wins, and the 2006 world title. “For all of us, it’s a great pleasure to give Nicky this award,” Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said. “This is not just because you’ve been champion and you’re one of the riders with most starts in the premier class, but also for your behavior over all those years, your sportsmanship, and your friendship.” Said Hayden, “I know there are people in this club with more illustrious careers and who have obviously won more than me, but regardless I got in there. For 13 years, it was eat, breathe, and sleep MotoGP. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, worked with some great teams, and rode some great bikes. “I think MotoGP is in a great place. The sport is bigger and better than ever, the tracks are safer, and the young talent keeps getting younger and faster. So the future is very bright.” During his long career, Hayden rode for two factories—Honda and Ducati—and had eight teammates, five of whom are also world champions. “I could write a book on some of these guys,” Hayden quipped. “I would have some stories to tell.” 
Here, then, is a start, a thumbnail sketch, in Hayden’s own words, of each of those riders, four of whom are still competing in MotoGP: Valentino Rossi (2003/2011-12): “The first year at Honda we were on such different levels that we had a fine relationship. I wasn’t pressuring him, and by winning every week, he helped take a little pressure off me. “We didn’t talk a whole lot, but he looked out for me when he could. I got to watch and learn how seriously he took it as far as understanding the bike, team, and changes. He knew every detail. It was a real job, not just on the track but also in the box. “Who would have thought we’d be teammates again six or seven years later? Obviously, the Ducati days didn’t go well for him. They gave him everything he wanted, not just what he needed. “I saw how much he struggled, how much heat he took. The first three or four races, the fans were crazy for him. By the end of the second year, we could walk out of the back of the truck and nobody would be there. “To see him come back and do what he has done this year, at age 36, with his awards, his bank account, is very impressive. I have a lot of respect for it. The passion he has for the sport and riding motorcycles is clear.” Alex Barros (2004): “Barros was fast and a good guy—a little underrated. He was on the other end of his career. Incredible rain rider, probably one of the best I’ve ever seen. He was not good on qualifiers, definitely a better racer.” Max Biaggi (2005): “That wasn’t a great year for Max. The wheels started to come off for him in MotoGP. He got the ride he always wanted, and in the beginning, Honda gave him everything he wanted, but he wasn’t able to step up and win the title. “Everybody knows Biaggi is a bit special. Very fast guy. It’s no secret that he and I didn’t get along well. We had to be separated at a test in Jerez, and we ran into each other coming out of the pits at Sepang. “Teammates, sometimes, can act like it’s a love fest, but down deep everybody wants to beat their teammate. That’s not what the fans often see.” Dani Pedrosa (2006-08): “When Dani came in, people weren’t sure how he was going to be on a MotoGP bike, but he was immediately fast. He uses his size to his advantage. His strength is getting the bike picked up and fired off the corner. “We had a little issue at Portugal in 2006 that dampened our relationship. We were two young kids who both wanted to be HRC’s number-one rider and world champion. It’s no wonder we didn’t get along. Now we get along well and have a lot of time for each other. This year, when he was having issues with arm pump, he talked to me about it. I recommended the doctor he went to.” Casey Stoner (2009-10): “All riders have their own weird ways that normal people shake their heads at, and Casey is no different. He moves to the beat of his own drum. “Casey was incredibly fast. The thing he was so good at—the best I’ve ever seen—is getting up to speed on a new or dirty track or right after it rained. He was immediately on pace. “I came home from my first Malaysia test with Ducati, and I told my brother, Tommy, and [former mechanic] Dan Fahie that Casey was the fastest guy I’ve ever seen. They looked at me, ‘Really? Casey Stoner?’ “Now I think people understand.” Andrea Dovizioso (2013): “We really wanted to beat each other. That was worst year for the Ducati, when Bernhard Gobmeier was still in charge, and things were really going downhill. “Between Dovi, Andrea Iannone, and me, the goal was to be the first Ducati. I hate to say that because it sounds stupid, but that’s what we were racing for. “On track was really fierce, and we had quite a few last-lap duels, but we always shook hands afterward and went about our business.” Hiroshi Aoyama (2014): “I’ve been around Japanese riders, mostly test riders. Aoyama was at his best on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, he wasn’t too fast, but on Sunday he was a hard guy to beat. That’s why he was a 250cc GP world champion. “Aoyama was a better rider than some people give him credit. Very focused, in shape, got there early, stayed late. As far as being a professional, he pretty much wrote the book.” Eugene Laverty (2015): “Eugene is a rookie, and he has shown flashes of speed. This bike has not been easy for any of us to get good results. “Eugene won 13 World Superbike races, so let’s wait and see what he does on a better bike before we judge his true potential. “He beat me one time this year, at Motorland Aragon, by a tenth of a second, which I don’t like. He comes from a racing family, which is similar to me.” 
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