Drive M7 Honda’s Nicky Hayden is expecting this weekend’s Motegi MotoGP round to be difficult as the hard-braking nature of the Japanese circuit is going to be tough on his still-recovering wrist.

The American, who made his comeback at Aragon, says he is still recovering from the surgery which saw three bones removed but adds he is getting stronger all the time.

“This weekend will be tough because I am still working hard physically to get back to my best shape and Motegi is a demanding track, with some of the hardest braking on the whole calendar,” said Hayden.

“Obviously that's not ideal for a rider that has under gone major wrist surgery recently but at Aragón I was able to get a feel for riding again and I am looking forward to giving my best to be as fast and competitive as possible in Japan.

“This is still a recovery phase for me and I know it will take another couple of races to get back to full strength but I will not stop working until we get there. It's a demanding three weeks ahead but I love the flyaway races because we go to three very different but equally interesting circuits.”