Nicky Hayden heads to this weekend’s inaugural Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas as one of three American riders in the MotoGP™ field. The new race is the first of three on the calendar to be staged in the United States this season.

The USA now becomes only the second country, after Spain, to host three or more events on the MotoGP schedule. The 2006 World Champion and Ducati Team rider is looking to make an impression in front of his home crowd.

"Right after Qatar I had to fly to Asia for some promotional events, so I hope to be at my best for Austin!" he says. "Having three Grands Prix in my home country almost seems like a dream to me and the Circuit of the Americas is really a great track that’s nice, safe and new, with great facilities. I’ve been around it on a street bike, so I know the layout, although it will obviously be much different on a MotoGP bike."


Hayden and compatriot Ben Spies (Ignite Pramac Racing) first sampled the Austin venue in mid-March, at the launch of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

The third and fellow American in the 2013 field is Colin Edwards, riding for NGM Mobile Forward Racing, although for Texas two wildcard riders will also be out in force as Blake Young and Michael Barnes ride for Attack Performance and GPTech, respectively.

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