British MotoGP, Silverstone
Date: 19-20 June
Saturday 19 June: Qualifying: 1150-1505, BBC Red Button/online Sunday 20 June: Moto2: 1100-1215, BBC Red Button/online, Race live: 1215-1415, BBC Two/online ; 125cc: 1400-1500, BBC Red Button/online

Stoner (left) has struggled as Hayden (right) has improved in 2010

Ducati rider Nicky Hayden says his team are looking to be on the podium soon after a faltering start to the MotoGP season for both riders.

Hayden, the 2006 world champion, has finished fourth in three out of four races this year and 2007 champion Casey Stoner has yet to be on the podium.

"We have the potential to win races. It's not the bike keeping us from it, we can improve" Hayden told BBC Sport.

"It may not be the dominant bike, but the package is strong,"

After a difficult first season with Ducati where he could only finish 13th overall, this season the American has seemed more in control of his bike.

606: DEBATE Give your predictions for the British MotoGP at Silverstone

In contrast, Stoner, who has been masterly on the machine for the last few years, seems to have lost his touch somewhat, only finishing two out of four races so far.

"The bike has changed a bit but I understand it better," said Hayden, speaking ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

"I came from being in the Honda team for a long time, so last year was quite difficult, but we had a great winter testing.

"I had to change a lot in my style and how I rode the bike, and there are new people in the team which helps get communication better."

Hayden's 2006 world title win came at the end of a tense battle with seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi, who is now out of contention this season title after being ruled out for up to two months with the broken leg he sustained in practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

And the American said he was glad that when he won the title, he did it by taking on a fully-fit Rossi.

Valentino Rossi breaks leg in horror crash

"When I won it, I wasn't picking on the little kid from down the street or beating your little brother - that made it a lot more special," he said.

He also revealed that while he was deeply saddened by the Italian's accident and the competition was a lesser event without him, the competitor in Hayden saw Rossi's misfortune as a boost to his own chances of success this season - and he knew that other riders would feel the same.

"It's a shame you've got to think like that but it's true - if you don't, you're lying," he said.

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