Dani Pedrosa has no concerns over the pace of his Honda after posting the third fastest time during Friday’s practice session ahead of Sunday’s Malaysian Moto Grand Prix.
Only title contender Jorge Lorenzo of Spain and Australian Casey Stoner were faster than the 24-year-old Spaniard at the Sepang International Circuit.
And a bullish Pedrosa, who described his lap time of 2minutes 02.758seconds as “quite competitive”, said: "I am not worried about being half a second back from the fastest time at this stage. To achieve good stability under braking is the key area for us."
Pedrosa was one place quicker than World Championship leader Valentino Rossi, who will be hoping not to wilt in the searing heat as he chases a sixth title this weekend.
But the Italian, who heads into the penultimate race of the season 38 points clear at the top of the standings, knows the likes of Pedrosa, Lorenzo and Stoner will be out to make his life as hard as possible.
Andrea Dovizioso was fifth fastest, just 0.384seconds behind Repsol Honda team-mate Pedrosa, and hopes that he can crank up the pressure on the race favourites.
Dovizioso said: “We started with a good direction and worked on some set-up options and particularly on the traction control settings.
“Anyway, I’m feeling good and I’m positive and confident that we can qualify well and fight with the top group - that’s the target.”
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