Nicky Hayden Seeking Improvement at Thai World Superbike Round

Nicky Hayden made the most of his two-week break between the first and second rounds of the 2017 FIM Superbike World Championship. Upon his arrival in Bangkok, Thailand, the Red Bull Honda rider and his fiancé, Jackie Marin, set off to take in the local sights.

Later, the upmarket EmQuartier district in the nation's capital hosted a special event organized by the Thai Honda distributor. Hayden and teammate Stefan Bradl unveiled the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR for media, local dealers, and fans in attendance.

The two riders also participated in a question-and-answer session, later posing for pictures and signing autographs. “It’s nice to be in a country with so many motorcycles and scooters,” Hayden said. “Last year, it was my first time racing here, and I really enjoyed it.”

Hayden returns to the Chang International Circuit with a year of series experience and a new motorcycle to challenge the 12-turn, 2.829-mile racetrack, which is located 250 miles northeast of Bangkok.

Last year, the 35-year-old American rebounded from a DNF in race one to finish fifth in race two. Defending champ Jonathan Rea and his Kawasaki teammate, Tom Sykes, split the victories.