Factory Ducati MotoGP pairing Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso are expecting a tough time at this weekend's Austin round as they are behind their works rivals in terms of track time.

Both the Repsol Honda and Factory Yamaha teams, plus Stefan Bradl, have tested at the Circuit of the Americas while Hayden has ridden it on a Panigale road bike but Dovizioso has only seen videos.

“I haven’t been to the Circuit of the Americas, but from the video it looks like a really big and nice track, and it also looks really difficult. Unfortunately, we didn’t test there like some of the other guys, so it will be a problem for us in the beginning. Anyway, I’m really excited for us to be riding on a new track," said the Italian.

"Having three GPs in my home country almost seems like a dream to me, and the Circuit of the Americas is really a great track that’s nice, safe and new, with great facilities. I’ve been around it on a street bike, so I know the layout, although it will obviously be much different on a MotoGP bike," added Hayden.

"The track has a little bit of everything, and it’s definitely not easy. It’s really long, quite wide, and very technical, with some very particular corners that have open entries—often blind—and tight exits. I like a good challenge, and this track definitely offers one. Hopefully the American fans will come out and support the race and set up a nice trend for the next two American rounds.”