Nicky Hayden has warned fans not to expect a throwback to the spectacular racing and tyre smoking slides of the 990cc MotoGP era when the new 1000ccworld championship gets underway in Qatar on April 8.

The last time MotoGP raced close to a 1000cc capacity was in 2006 when Hayden triumphed in a dramatic last round title shootout with current factory Ducati team-mate Valentino Rossi in Valencia.

But Hayden reckons the huge advances in electronic rider aids and the super grippy performance of Bridgestone tyres means there will be no repeat of the spectacular and close racing of 2006.

When asked by MCN this morning for his thoughts on riding the new Ducati GP12 this season during the Bologna factory’s annual team launch at the magnificent Madonna di Campiglio ski resort, the Kentucky rider said: “Life has changed since 2006 other than engine size and I think it will be a lot different from the last 1000s. The tyres have come a long way and the electronics are so much more advanced than they were in 2006. I hate to ruin it for the fans that think they are going to see tyre smoking and sideways style but until they limit some electronics, those days are gone. I think these bikes will be closer to the 800 style....more”