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Dani Pedrosa starts his preparations for his fifth year in MotoGP on Thursday with the initial of two days testing at
the Sepang International Circuit. Last year he endured surgery to remove a screw in his left wrist, hours prior he arrives
to the circuit in Malaysia to commence work on the RC212V he will race this year. Pedrosa comments on his year ahead
below:
How are you feeling physically, and can you say you’re starting the pre-season in good shape?
Yes.
Throughout last season I had problems with my wrist but didn’t say anything. I held out to the end of the season, giving
my maximum, but after it finished despite the fact I wasn’t riding a bike and wasn’t putting any pressure on my
wrist it was still painful. So I decided it was best to get the screw taken out. The recovery period was two to three weeks
and the results until now have been very positive. I have been training, and have done a little motocross. The wrist has responded
well despite how recently it was operated on. These few days will be a test on my wrist as well, but from the moment I had
the screw removed it has felt better. I feel recovered and ready for this first test.
In the last few years you
have suffered injuries in pre-season (Sepang 2008, Qatar 2009) that have affected your condition ahead of the start of the
season. This season it is important to use all the test days…
Yes, the priority is to take advantage of all of
the days of testing available, because this time around more than ever there are not many days. Therefore these are very important
tests and it is vital we avoid making any mistakes and are in good shape for the first race.
What is the plan for
this first test?
To continue where we left off in Valencia. We’ll carry on testing the Öhlins suspension which
is a big change after so many years with the Showa. We will see how they react with small modifications to the chassis. There
is also myself: I’ve not ridden for three months so I need to get back on the bike and find a rhythm, speed and also
a physical level.
The electronics will be an important aspect over these two days?
Yes, these are one of the
most important aspects of the 800cc bikes and we have to try and configure it in the best possible way. Last year it was one
of our weaknesses, especially when braking, and here at this track there is lots of braking so we’ll try to find the
best setting for this.
What do you expect to have at the first race in Qatar on April 11 that you don’t have
now?
I want the bike to be totally to my liking and to be able to ride it with everything in unison. This gives you great
confidence, and is so important.
With the engine limitations that take effect this year (six to be used across
the 18 races) reliability will be more important than ever. How do you view this?
I think reliability is a strong point
of Honda bikes, which are always competitive and have very few problems. Of course it will be difficult because you also never
know what will happen, if you have a crash or something like that. But Honda has a cautious approach and always provides durable
engines.
Do you think there will be a change to the ‘four aliens’ this season?
That can change
at any time. Evidently last year the level was clear, but the race changed with every Grand Prix. The order was different
every weekend. One rider can win one day, another can win on another – the competition is very high. As for the other
riders, that will become clear during the season.
What do you think about the fact there are five Spanish riders
in the premier class for the first time?
It’s a very high number. If you look back in the past, it’s very
hard to find one or two riders. But it’s very positive for us now.
This is your fifth year in the premier
class and your contract ends after this campaign. Do you feel there is a special pressure on you in 2010?
I think it
is an important year, but it is for everyone. You know at the start of every year it will be close and maybe everyone is a
bit nervous, but everyone will be very focused and ready for every race.
What’s the reason for your change
back to the number 26?
It’s a mark of gratitude to my fans who have followed me through difficult moments such
as the 2008 campaign, and especially 2009. I’ve done it for them, I know they like it, and they know my number and can
follow me.
But you hope to change it for the number 1?
Even in the best scenario, I wouldn’t change
it! I’m not sure, but first I have to earn it.
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