Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa is looking to close the gap further on world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo as the MotoGP season heads to Laguna Seca for the U.S Grand Prix.
Pedrosa pulled off a classy performance last Sunday to win the German Grand Prix, taking advantage to win the rearranged 21-lap race ahead of Lorenzo after the initial race had been red-flagged. And, the Spaniard is expecting a similarly tight race this weekend.
'We have the level to compete with any of our rivals and to beat them - and that’s what I want to achieve again' – Pedrosa
“To take the win in Germany was fantastic and it means we’re going into this weekend at Laguna Seca in great shape,” he said. “I think the race will be very similar to the last one, with lap-times very close, and I hope we have a repeat of the way we worked in Germany. The key point in Sachsenring was that we were competitive and fast from the first practice on Friday. When everything is in place like this we have the level to compete with any of our rivals and to beat them - and that’s what I want to achieve again.”
The 24-year-old has reason to be confident too, having won in America last year, and with two second places from his two races before the Sachsenring he appears to have found the consistency that deserted him at the start of 2010. Which could prove vital as he attempts to eat into Lorenzo’s 47-point lead.
Gold & Goose/Red Bull Photofiles
“We had a great race in Laguna Seca last year and we were able to win, so I would love to go on holiday after this weekend with another victory under our belts,” Pedrosa added. “I know we have to work very hard to make it happen because Lorenzo is not making many mistakes, [Casey] Stoner is back to his best level, and [Valentino] Rossi has returned very strong - and I’m sure that in the States he will be even better than in Germany.
“But we can be up there again if we push hard. We started the season not being able to fight with the riders in front, but now we have got to the required level to do this. Of course, we must keep our feet on the ground and not relax at all.”
Another man with form at the Laguna Seca circuit is team-mate Andrea Dovizioso, who finished fourth on his first outing in 2008 and was unlucky last year as he damaged his clutch lever while fourth again. He is now looking for race wins as he bids to catch Pedrosa and Lorenzo.
Gold & Goose/Red Bull Photofiles
“We are completely focused on getting a strong finish this weekend before we head into the MotoGP summer break,” the Italian said. “The Laguna track is special - very different from the standard of tracks we are used to in Europe, and for this reason it is interesting to race here. I really like the atmosphere, the people and the fans and it’s always a pleasure to come to California.”
The two Honda riders won’t have it all their own way however, with Yamaha’s Lorenzo and Rossi particularly looking to impress. Rossi was on top form in Germany as he compounded the critics to finish just off the podium on his return from injury.
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