Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez are in Barcelona, Spain this weekend for the Grand Prix of Catalunya with Pedrosa and Marquez particularly looking to impress in front of their home fans.
There’s no rest for the Repsol riders as this weekend’s race will be their third in as many weeks. However, all three riders are bang in form as they head to the 4.727km Catalunya circuit.
'It’s a circuit I always love to ride at because it’s very much my home race' – Dani Pedrosa
Pedrosa was in sensational form last time out in Assen, Netherlands as he managed to battle his way from seventh on the grid to finish second behind Jorge Lorenzo. And the man from Sabadell has an enviable record in his home GP – including wins in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP classes.
Consistency has been a problem for the Spaniard this season, but he hopes to put that right in Spain. “So far this season we have alternated between bad and good results at each race, but hopefully we can reach a high level again in Barcelona - everybody in my team is ready to go for it,” he said.
“It’s a circuit I always love to ride at because it’s very much my home race. My family and friends are there and, together with my fans, I feel more than anywhere else that I’m surrounded by supporters. I really want them to enjoy the weekend.”
Gold & Goose/Red Bull Photofiles
Pedrosa’s performance in Assen relegated Dovizioso to third place in the overall standings though he finds himself just four points behind his team-mate. And he is hoping that his pedigree on the Catalan track can help as the pair continue their tug-of-war battle for second.
“This is one of my favourite circuits, it suits my riding style and I think it should be good also for the Honda RC212V machines,” the 24-year-old said. “There is also a fantastic atmosphere at this track, and when you enter the final four corners it feels like a stadium and the sensation is incredible. I have always had good results here and I’m feeling really motivated.
“We have been strong so far this season and generally we have been improving race by race. Still, we need to take another step forward so that we can compete for victory - that’s what we’ll try to do this weekend. I’m looking forward to the next challenge in Spain.”
Gold & Goose/Red Bull Photofiles
Since his debut 125cc win in Italy, Red Bull Ajo Motorsport rider Marc Marquez has won a hat-trick of races. And the young Catalan is hoping he can continue that rich vein of form at his home GP, despite the added expectations that will bring.
“It's true that there is that pressure because you want to do it well in front of your friends, family and all those people who trust in you and have always supported you but you always try to change it into motivation to improve and get that extra push,” he said. “I try to treat it like any other Grand Prix so that too much motivation doesn't play a dirty trick.”
Get more ahead of the Grand Prix of Catalunya from motogp.com.
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