Hayden broke Valentino Rossi's dominance of MotoGP

"There's a lot of guys fighting and a lot of egos on the line - none of us likes to lose," he told BBC Sport.

"I know I've got to do more, but I'm plenty hungry and I know I've got to take it to another level."

Hayden also revealed he is to have surgery on the shoulder he injured in the penultimate race of the season.

"I was carrying the injury in Valencia, but the adrenalin got me through," said the American. Repsol Honda's Hayden took third in Spain to seal his first world title, breaking Valentino Rossi's stranglehold on the MotoGP crown.

I thought 'win the race or crash', there was no plan B Nicky Hayden

Rossi's hopes of a sixth consecutive title were dashed when he crashed midway through the race. The Italian eventually finished 13th and had to settle for second place in the standings.

Ironically, Hayden looked to have blown his chances when he was taken out by Repsol Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa in Portugal.

"Everybody saw my emotions and knew how I felt about Dani when I crashed," said Hayden.

606 DEBATE: Can Hayden retain his crown in 2007?

"If I'd gone on and lost the title I don't think I could ever have forgiven him.

"Everybody makes mistakes, but when he took me out I couldn't believe it.

"All I'd ever wanted to do was be world champion. I knew I had a great opportunity this year and I thought it was slipping away."

Hayden was overwhelmed with emotion after he won the title

Going into the final race, Hayden knew his fate was not in his own hands but went all out to win.

"I had a good race going until Valentino crashed," he said. "I'd fought from sixth and was on Troy Bayliss's back tyre.

"I had nothing to lose. I thought 'win the race or crash'. There was no plan B.

"But when I saw 'Rossi P18' on my pit board I couldn't believe it. That was the longest race of my life. It seemed like it wasn't going to end."

Hayden's success sparked wild celebrations back on the Kentucky ranch where the 25-year-old still lives with his parents.

"Since I've been in MotoGP it hasn't been silky smooth - a lot of people doubted me and said I was too soft to win races, let alone a title.

"So to go home and see the people who've been in my corner since day one was really good."

Hayden won just two races on his way to the world title, but his overall consistency earned him the crown.

"What got me to this position was being smart, not making a lot of boneheaded moves and mistakes, so next year I've got to do that and win a few more races," he said.

"I hope that the number one place isn't too heavy but over 17 races I feel confident I'll give my best every Sunday.

"I'm strong in all conditions, not just fast tracks, so regardless of the conditions, I feel I can be there with anybody."

The 2007 season will be the first on 800cc bikes, after engine capacity was cut from 990cc.