US Superbike champion Nicky Hayden has declared himself satisfied after his initial MotoGP testing session in Valencia with Honda.

Hayden will race Honda's RC211V next season needing to catch up on MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi, Tohru Ukawa and Daijiro Kato.

All three raced and developed the machine this year.

But despite being behind Honda's established riders in terms of time on the bike, Hayden was boosted by his lap times at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

Difficult conditions

"It's pretty good for the first day on a new track with a new bike," he said.

"I'm making up time just everywhere. The traction control is new for me but I used it pretty much all day."

Testing was made difficult because recent tests by F1 cars at the circuit had left tyre rubber in the corners.

This made it more awkward for the Honda riders to find traction through the turns.

The tests continue on Tuesday before Honda move south next Monday for a three-day test at the Jerez circuit, where they will be joined by Rossi.