"Everybody starts from zero point at Indy. Dani got a good feeling from his new tyres and the pneumatic-valve engine at the Misano tests, so now we look forward to more progress," said team manager Kazuhiko Yamano. "At Indy he will need all his ability to set-up a machine quickly,"

Hayden was apparently not given the option to change tyres, and will thus remain with Michelin for the rest of the season. However, the biggest factor in the home star's competitiveness next weekend is likely to be physical; the 2006 world champion having missed the last two rounds due to a heel injury.

"Indy's going to be a big challenge for everyone, but I quite enjoy going to new circuits," declared Nicky. "We will use the data the test teams got when they tested there in July to help line up the transmission and so on. The track layout doesn't look so spectacular, because it's inside an oval so there's not a lot of room for them to work with, and it's quite flat.

"But Indy has a long history and a big tradition and they know how to promote a race. I think they're going to smash it - put on an awesome event. For me it's crazy to be racing a GP three hours from my house!" he smiled.

"I just wish I was going into it healthy. It's not been long since Misano, though going left should be better for my right foot. It's a good time to go home and get some support from the fans. We'll give it all we've got and try to get a good result for them," he declared.

"I am looking forward to seeing Nicky race again and using all his energy and fighting spirit that he wasn't able to use at Brno and Misano," said Yamano. "Indy is his home GP, so his family and friends will be there to cheer him. I am sure he will show them a fantastic race."