The MotoGP World Championship returns to Europe next weekend following its Middle East kick-off in Qatar, and Dani Pedrosa is determined to give the Spanish crowd what they will flock to Jerez for.
Arguably the most spectacular event of the MotoGP year, the first Spanish event of the year will see Pedrosa not only continuing his comeback from the hand injury he suffered on the opening day of pre-season testing, but trying to go one better than his 2007 Jerez result.
Although he likes the southern circuit, Pedrosa has had mixed fortunes there, having won the 250 GP in 2005, but never made the podium in his three 125 GPs. This time around, he is confident that he will be in the hunt again, having electrified the Qatar GP with a spirited ride to third place from the third row of the grid, and knowing that his broken right hand will be close to 100 per cent healed.
“I've been training since Qatar to get back to full strength, and I hope my right hand should be 100 per cent at Jerez," he said, "It's a very important race for me and I really enjoy it.
"What I like most about racing at Jerez is the huge crowd and the great atmosphere. It's always very special to race there because you can really feel the crowd, especially through the Nieto and Peluqui corners, where the fans are really close. There's a lot of commotion, you can see everyone and that's great. But the big crowd does have its negative side too, as I can't get around the paddock easily, which can make it difficult to do my job.
"I like everything else about the circuit, though maybe the Sito Pons corner onto the back straight is the most beautiful corner. The last part of the circuit is the most important when you're chasing good lap times – the two fast right-hand curves approaching the end of the lap are crucial. There are a few bumps too, though not too many, and the tarmac offers good grip."
Out-paced by the Ducati and Yamaha in Qatar, Pedrosa is optimistic that the Repsol Honda will be closer to the front on home soil.
crash.net
Arguably the most spectacular event of the MotoGP year, the first Spanish event of the year will see Pedrosa not only continuing his comeback from the hand injury he suffered on the opening day of pre-season testing, but trying to go one better than his 2007 Jerez result.
Although he likes the southern circuit, Pedrosa has had mixed fortunes there, having won the 250 GP in 2005, but never made the podium in his three 125 GPs. This time around, he is confident that he will be in the hunt again, having electrified the Qatar GP with a spirited ride to third place from the third row of the grid, and knowing that his broken right hand will be close to 100 per cent healed.
“I've been training since Qatar to get back to full strength, and I hope my right hand should be 100 per cent at Jerez," he said, "It's a very important race for me and I really enjoy it.
"What I like most about racing at Jerez is the huge crowd and the great atmosphere. It's always very special to race there because you can really feel the crowd, especially through the Nieto and Peluqui corners, where the fans are really close. There's a lot of commotion, you can see everyone and that's great. But the big crowd does have its negative side too, as I can't get around the paddock easily, which can make it difficult to do my job.
"I like everything else about the circuit, though maybe the Sito Pons corner onto the back straight is the most beautiful corner. The last part of the circuit is the most important when you're chasing good lap times – the two fast right-hand curves approaching the end of the lap are crucial. There are a few bumps too, though not too many, and the tarmac offers good grip."
Out-paced by the Ducati and Yamaha in Qatar, Pedrosa is optimistic that the Repsol Honda will be closer to the front on home soil.
crash.net