By Julian Shea BBC Sport in Jerez

Hayden says this year's championship will be wide open

MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden says changes to technical rules could throw up some surprise race winners once the new season gets under way on Saturday.

The Repsol Honda rider starts his title defence in Qatar and he told BBC Sport the enforced change of all engines to 800cc may cause some unlikely results.

"It'll shake things up, not just the riders but also the teams," he said.

"A few guys who were maybe behind will get to start from scratch. It seems everybody is really even."

Interview: MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden

The reduction in engine capacity from 990cc is a safety measure, designed to cut down on acceleration speeds.

But before the new season has even started, the riders are already coming close to last season's times.

Everybody in the paddock is talented, there are no sleepers and it's not amateur night Nicky Hayden

"A lot of people - myself included - didn't expect lap times to be so close," he said.

"We're already going as fast as we did on 990s because it shows how good the tyres and technology are.

"We can ride harder, brake deeper and carry more corner speed, and the tyres are a big part of it, helping us use the power better."

606: DEBATE Will Hayden hold on to his title this season?

Hayden's 2006 triumph, ending Valentino Rossi's run of five consecutive MotoGP titles, was only decided by the last race of the season, ensuring the most dramatic finale to a season the sport has ever seen.

It was only afterwards that Hayden revealed he had been carrying a serious shoulder injury which needed surgery in the close season.

MotoGP coverage on the BBC

"The shoulder didn't feel great," he admitted.

"I've ridden in more comfortable condition but I'd do it again.

"The world title was on the line so you do whatever it takes, you don't lay down just because you've got a broken shoulder or whatever."

Hayden's consistent finishing saw him take the 2006 title despite winning just two races, a figure he admits he will have to improve upon if he wants to retain his crown.

As world champion, Hayden will ride wearing number one this year

Achieving his dream gave the 25-year-old a huge boost, but he admitted the past would count for nothing when the 2007 season kicks off in Qatar.

"I couldn't make a prediction for the season," he said.

"Everybody in the paddock is talented, there are no sleepers and it's not amateur night.

"I always expect a lot from myself so I've gained a lot of confidence and momentum from winning but the target's still the same.