The Respol Boys at Estoril last year, before the crash. image by manchurian candidate

It was at last year's Estoril race where Nicky Hayden's championship hopes took a serious hit from an unlikely source -- his teammate.

Dani Pedrosa tried to pass Hayden early in the race and both Repsol Honda riders ended up in the dirt. Hayden, who has cultivated a positive public image in his racing days, nearly went ballistic on Pedrosa after the incident. As he should have.

Some said Pedrosa's move was the dumbest thing they'd ever seen. Some said it was an unforgivable sin and the two wouldn't be able to ride in the same team again. Some (okay, just Alberto Puig) even said it was Nicky's fault. Everyone was looking to see what happened next.

A shaken Nicky said all would be forgiven if Dani helped him when the title in Spain. Hayden did, and Pedrosa finished in front of Val Rossi after the Yamaha rider crashed.

In the year or so since The Incident, both riders have co-existed in the Honda team. There doesn't seem to be much warmth between the two, but they have gone about their business in the time since then without further reprisals.

Perhaps one factor helping everyone move past it has been that the Honda/Michelin package has struggled. A sole Pedrosa win in Germany is the only victory for the Honda factory team this year. The tires seemed to have drawn Dani's ire. Pedrosa is yet to sign a 2008 contract, and rumors have him wanting the team to make a switch to Bridgestone tires.

Other than his current seat, there really isn't a clear upgrade or even a parallel move for Dani Boy next year. With Hayden signed up for '08, it looks like the boys will get another year of hanging out together in the Repsol garage.