HRC's factory racers were each handed a 2007 spec RCV each - in addition to the '07 engine/'08 chassis hybrid they had been expecting to race - to try and cure the grip problems experienced during last week's Losail test session.
Hayden is now running only the 2007 machine, and produced a typically solid qualifying performance to secure the last spot on row two - a welcome reward after a tough weekend.
"We improved a lot this afternoon... heck, it's the middle of the night!" said Hayden, caught out by the unique time schedule of the inaugural night event. "My first two runs on race tyres I improved quite a bit and in the end I was able to get a respectable lap on qualifies, nothing great, but I was able to give ourselves a decent chance.
"The big thing around here for us is the straightaway, we're losing quite a bit of time, the bike I'm using is what I had at Valencia," he confirmed.
"I'm really excited to be going racing. I'd like to have a better race pace and all that but it is what it is and it's time to line up and go for it. I'm enjoying riding at night, I think it's cool, I hope some more tracks decide to get some lighting systems going.
"A big thanks to my team and to HRC, these guys have worked so hard, it's silly how hard they have worked over the last week to get more bikes here, get more options for us, build a different chassis for Dani's bike which seems to be a good step so I'm sure the next time I get on the 08 I'll try one of those," he concluded.
As Hayden mentioned, Pedrosa has a new chassis for his 2008 machine, and will be racing the 'new' bike on Sunday.
"[Dani] is using the new chassis we brought here and he made some more progress with setup for that chassis, it gives him better front feeling," confirmed Repsol Honda team manager Kazuhiko Yamano.
