Ducati Marlboro competitor Nicky Hayden is thrilled ahead of this weekend’s Iveco Australian Grand Prix, having claimed three stage appearances ‘Down Under’ to date.

Hayden has a top ten place for this season's MotoGP within his reach, having slowly improved with form over the year following a difficult beginning.

He is challenging for another strong placement at Phillip Island after arriving third last season at the track, with the track record to his credit it is the circuit that inspires him.

“Phillip Island is a track and place I really like. The track is great – it’s fast, flowing and a lot of fun,” states Hayden. “I hope we can get some decent weather because the place can be really challenging when it’s cold – there are not so many right-hand corners so it can take a few laps to heat and scuff the right side of the tyre. I also enjoy the flyaways at the end of the year because it’s a little different in terms of atmosphere with all the teams traveling together and staying in the same hotels – you see a different side of people.”

“So we’ve got three more races left before the end of the season and I really hope and need to make another step up toward the front. I really need to dig deep and try to make it happen.”

Livio Suppo, the MotoGP Project boss is also hoping Hayden and his colleague Casey Stoner (who has been victorious at Phillip Island for the past two years), repeat their efforts. The duo challenged an excellent battle last season when Hayden was still racing a Honda.

“It is always nice to go to Philip Island. It is a magical track and it is full of fantastic memories for our team. Last year Casey and Nicky had a great battle for the lead over several laps and it would be a dream come true to see them recreate that on their Ducatis,” states Suppo.