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MotoGP table topper Nicky Hayden is hoping his return to the US for this weekend's race at Laguna Seca will bring him one step closer to the title he craves.

Kentucky-born Hayden leads the current standings by 26 points thanks to his continuous podium finishes, keeping him ahead of nearest challenger Valentino Rossi whose own brilliance has been countered by a poor start and difficulties with his bike.

Last year the Repsol Honda rider won the first GP to take place at Laguna Seca in over a decade and he is hoping for the same result this time around as he aims to extend his overall lead with what would be only his third win of the season.

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The 24-year-old stated: "It's a pretty good feeling to be leading the world going into my home race.

"Even though there's a lot of racing still to go and I really want to be leading the championship at the end of the season, I'm proud to go home to my fans out in front. Plus it's a while since an American has been on top, so I'm excited."

He will face tough competition in Rossi, who was third last year but became visibly more accustomed to the circuit as the race went on and who this time around aims to perform from the start.

The Italian believes inflicting a home defeat on Hayden would be a major psychological blow in the championship race and that alterations made to the Laguna course will be to his benefit.

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