Pedrosa confident despite Assen fall
Added on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Pedrosa happy with fitness.
Dani Pedrosa is heading to the US full of confidence despite yet another crash during Saturday’s Dutch TT in Assen.
Despite qualifying and starting well in Holland, the Spaniard suffered his second DNF of the season after a crash on lap five of Saturday’s Grand Prix to end his already slim title hopes and leave the factory Repsol Honda team without a victory in over 12 months, the last coming in Barcelona last season.
But despite the crash, Pedrosa is confident that he can still put in a strong performance in California despite his fitness problems.
“I’m actually really looking forward to getting to Laguna and I’m feeling confident going into the weekend - as I was before Assen,” claimed the 23-year-old. “The result there wasn’t great, but there’s no reason why we can’t have a strong race in the US.
“I felt much better on the bike in Assen than I did in Barcelona and, although my physical fitness is not at 100% because I haven’t been training as usual for quite a while, the injury is getting better and isn’t giving me any problems on the machine.
“The Laguna track itself is unique and it can be a lot of fun to ride - as long as you’re going quickly. When you’re struggling it obviously isn’t quite as much fun!
“As a team we’ve got to continue working hard and bring the whole machine package up to a level where we can compete for wins again. We’re making progress and with luck Laguna will take us closer to that target.”
In a disastrous weekend for Repsol Honda in Assen, Pedrosa’s teammate Andrea Dovizioso crashed out at the same corner just a few laps later and the Italian is also looking for a swift recovery this weekend.
“I really look forward to the race in Laguna Seca,” claimed Dovizioso. “The track itself and the whole atmosphere makes coming to Laguna a fascinating experience. Last year was the first time that I had raced in the United States and I was impressed by this track.
“Some parts are quite dangerous and very different from the European standard of racetracks we are used to, but the whole atmosphere is incredible and I like it a lot. I’m confident that we can have a good race here.
“Last year I had a good battle and finished 4th, which I was pleased with. I feel as though I’ve come fourth enough times this year though, so I hope to make the step up.
“At each race we’re getting closer to the leading riders but we’re still not close enough yet. So we need to work hard to get the speed and consistency we need.”
