Michael Owen knows all about life in the fast lane but the England Newcastle striker got a taste of 200 mph plus speed on two wheels when he teamed up with MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden at Donington Park on Thursday afternoon. Owen was a guest in the MotoGP paddock on the eve of practice for the Nickel and Dime British Grand Prix at Donington Park and together with Hayden launched a new Tissot watch collection.
“What a great sport, everybody is so friendly and what really impressed me was that the fans could get so near the riders and the action,” said Owen. Nicky gave me a few hints about riding a bike and I gave him a pair of my boots but I think I’ll stick to football –it’s safer.”
American Hayden was the perfect host for Owen showing him round the massive paddock as his Repsol Honda team prepare for the eighth round of the MotoGP World Championship.
“Michael gave me a pair of his white football boots but I think I’ll stick to two wheels although I will certainly look smart wearing them,” said Hayden with a smile who faces tough challenge at the Leicestershire circuit from Casey Stoner.
The Australian arrived at Donington with a 14 point lead in the MotoGP World Championship. Seven years ago he rode his very first race bike at the track when he was just 14 years old and made his grand prix debut at Donington just a year later.
“Donington and England have very special memories for me after we sold up and came over because I was too young to ride in Australia,” recalled the Ducati rider.” I’ve had mixed fortunes at the track but it should be a great race on Sunday and I only dreamed seven years ago that I would return leading the World Championship.”
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