After the second test of the MotoGP pre-season at Sepang, Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa has been reflecting on the progress the team have made, and the areas that still need work.
Could you sum up the two days of testing?
We mainly focused on the new chassis and Öhlins suspension again, after the tests we did at the beginning of the month here in Malaysia. To be honest, the sensations on this machine are still new for me because as well as starting to work with Öhlins after so much time with Showa, the chassis has changed and the electronics have evolved. What we’re looking for now is a good combination of everything, and we still haven’t found it – we haven’t made the progress we expected. So we need to reflect on it, see what we need and advance in the forthcoming test in Qatar… Honda are making a huge effort and I’m also making [the] maximum effort, so the results have to be noticeable soon.
What is the problem at the moment?
It’s difficult to explain because I have conflicting sensations. On the positive side, we have managed to get better control of the machine coming out of the turns and it’s a bit smoother.
After being able to train well over the winter, without the problems of previous years [Dani injured his arm last year in pre-season testing], how do you feel physically?
In the first test we did, I didn’t feel completely fit, and, after riding those two days, we prepared a more specific training plan concentrating on the points where I felt a little weak – for example, when braking. We did more arm exercises, and in this second test, I felt better. There are still aspects that can be improved, and we have a month to go before the first race, during which time we can do it well.
'Honda are making a huge effort and I’m also making the maximum effort, so the results have to be noticeable soon'
The next test is in Qatar, at night – conditions that are very different from those that you are going to experience during the rest of the season…
Yes, it will be a test that focuses more on the first race, but we’ll have to get the most out of it for our machine.
Do you think that the change in your garage, with Alberto Puig as the team manager, will affect you in any way? Have you noticed any differences?
At the moment, it’s the same as before. Things are running smoothly, but if we have any problems, I hope that they can be corrected more quickly, as he is a person who says things very clearly.
The Repsol Honda Team presentation will be held on March 13, an event that you missed last year. Will it be a special day for you?
Of course, I’m really looking forward to going, because as you said, last year, I couldn’t see anything or enjoy it with the fans – and this year, I’ll be there to enjoy it with all of them.
Interview courtesy of Repsol Media Service
Keep pace with Dani and his Repsol Honda team at www.repsol.com
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