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MotoGP
MOTOGP: Pivotal Year - Dani Pedrosa
Can Dani Pedrosa finally put an end to his claim as 'the best MotoGP rider to never win the championship' in 2013?
Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa (Photo: HRC)
2013 will be a pivotal year in Dani Pedrosa’s career. Pedrosa was fastest at the recent Sepang test, which bodes well for the Spaniard who has spent his MotoGP career at Repsol Honda.
Pedrosa gave a valiant effort in search of the championship in 2012, but ultimately came up short against rival Jorge Lorenzo and Yamaha despite a string of wins to keep things interesting late.
Pedrosa has been a race winner for years and one of the top men in MotoGP ever since he graduated to the premier class, but the nagging question about him is as follows: can he win a championship?
Dani’s talent and skill are unquestioned but so far the big prize has eluded him despite riding for the all-conquering Honda Racing Corporation all these years. Injuries have played a big part in it. Still, missing out so many times leaves doubt.
A works Honda MotoGP ride is traditionally considered the best seat in Grand Prix. It’s not easy to hang onto one for so long, but Pedrosa has been able to do it. And there are not many men who can win a Grand Prix, much less be counted on to win multiple races in a year like Pedrosa.
The fact that no young rider has emerged -- yet -- has kept some heat off Pedrosa for not winning a number one plate yet.
When Casey Stoner came to Honda and performed at such a high level it was obvious he was Honda’s best hope for the title and he delivered in 2011. Stoner’s shocking retirement while at the top of his game meant Pedrosa went from being the second best hope and perhaps wondering when a young rider like Marc Marquez was going to take his seat to being the team leader again.
Late-season and preseason form are all we have to judge, but Pedrosa certainly looks stronger than he’s ever been. Meanwhile, Honda has continuously improved their bike the past two years as well. Honda is in top form, for sure.
It’s generally accepted that when things are rolling at HRC, they are a couple of steps ahead in their development. When it becomes obvious the riders need more on the track, they don’t cook something new up. It’s already finished and sitting on a shelf, waiting to be called into duty. The engineers are done with it and working on something else.
It’s not that different with riders. The factories are always looking to get involved with someone young and promising and HRC is hooked up with Marc Marquez and Stefan Bradl. They have a good ways to go before they catch up with Dani.
The only rider you’d want more than Pedrosa right now on your bike is Lorenzo and he has two years with Yamaha on his deal.
So the time is right for Pedrosa to make a strong championship run and consolidate his position.
Pedrosa gave a valiant effort in search of the championship in 2012, but ultimately came up short against rival Jorge Lorenzo and Yamaha despite a string of wins to keep things interesting late.
Pedrosa has been a race winner for years and one of the top men in MotoGP ever since he graduated to the premier class, but the nagging question about him is as follows: can he win a championship?
Dani’s talent and skill are unquestioned but so far the big prize has eluded him despite riding for the all-conquering Honda Racing Corporation all these years. Injuries have played a big part in it. Still, missing out so many times leaves doubt.
A works Honda MotoGP ride is traditionally considered the best seat in Grand Prix. It’s not easy to hang onto one for so long, but Pedrosa has been able to do it. And there are not many men who can win a Grand Prix, much less be counted on to win multiple races in a year like Pedrosa.
The fact that no young rider has emerged -- yet -- has kept some heat off Pedrosa for not winning a number one plate yet.
When Casey Stoner came to Honda and performed at such a high level it was obvious he was Honda’s best hope for the title and he delivered in 2011. Stoner’s shocking retirement while at the top of his game meant Pedrosa went from being the second best hope and perhaps wondering when a young rider like Marc Marquez was going to take his seat to being the team leader again.
Late-season and preseason form are all we have to judge, but Pedrosa certainly looks stronger than he’s ever been. Meanwhile, Honda has continuously improved their bike the past two years as well. Honda is in top form, for sure.
It’s generally accepted that when things are rolling at HRC, they are a couple of steps ahead in their development. When it becomes obvious the riders need more on the track, they don’t cook something new up. It’s already finished and sitting on a shelf, waiting to be called into duty. The engineers are done with it and working on something else.
It’s not that different with riders. The factories are always looking to get involved with someone young and promising and HRC is hooked up with Marc Marquez and Stefan Bradl. They have a good ways to go before they catch up with Dani.
The only rider you’d want more than Pedrosa right now on your bike is Lorenzo and he has two years with Yamaha on his deal.
So the time is right for Pedrosa to make a strong championship run and consolidate his position.
Grand Prix of The Americas
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