Pedrosa delighted with shock win
Added on Monday, July 18th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Pedrosa delighted with shock win
Dani Pedrosa admitted his shock at winning Sunday’s German Grand Prix although the Spaniard admitted that he was delighted that his hard work following a broken collarbone injury had paid off.
The Repsol Honda rider secured victory at Sachsenring on only his second start since a six week lay-off with a broken collarbone, beating teammate Casey Stoner and rival Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo to the chequered flag.
If the result shocked those fans who were questioning Pedrosa’s race winning credentials, it also came as a shock to Pedrosa himself, who didn’t expect to be challenging for the victory so soon after his comeback.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be back and win a race so early; I didn’t expect it, but this circuit has been always very good for me and I made it happen,” he claimed.
“I was already surprised yesterday with second position in qualifying and to finish the weekend in this way is amazing, a huge relief for me after a very hard time with injuries. Here I suffered less than in Mugello because of the layout, but in the race today I had a strange feeling, something I’ve never had before.
“At the beginning of the race I wasn’t feeling great on the bike, I was fourth but I didn’t get nervous or worried because I’m still not mathematically out of the Championship battle, but I know it’s almost impossible. So, I just let the laps pass and in the middle of the race, with less fuel in the tank and when the tyres started sliding, I decided to step it up a little and it worked perfectly.”
Pedrosa dedicated the victory to his team, fans and the medical staff that helped him with his recovery, although he admitted that he is still not up to full fitness.
“I’m very happy with this victory,” he added. “I’ve been suffering a lot even though this race track is not physically demanding, because I’m still weak. So a big thanks to my family and doctors that helped me to be back here because they all know how hard it has been. Also to my team and to all my fans that never gave up, they deserve it also.”
