MotoGP news

Pedrosa expects tough race at Mugello

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa will travel to Mugello this weekend for the Italian Grand Prix. The Spaniard will have his eyes on another podium finish after having scored three podium positions in a row.

Pedrosa will be keen to extend his run of three podium finishes in the last three races and comes to Mugello on something of a high. Having shaken off pre-season injury to produce a remarkable start to his 2009 campaign, the 23-year-old Spaniard is now on the way to full fitness - as proved by his pole position at the last race in France and his devastating speed in the closing laps of the Grand Prix.

Pedrosa won the 250cc race at Mugello in 2005 and was within 0.167s of pole position last year. His MotoGP form at the demanding circuit is fourth in 2006, second in 2007 and third in 2008, and he'll be satisfied with nothing less than another podium this weekend to set him up for his home race in Barcelona, which follows in two week's time.

"The race at Mugello is always a special one because the circuit is really challenging and the fans are so passionate about racing," Pedrosa said. "I'm going there in a good frame of mind. We're heading into the busy part of the season and our position in the championship standings, considering the problems I had over the winter, really isn't too bad. Plus I was pleased with my pace in France, which proved to me that my physical condition is improving and I can go fast right to the end of the race. That's an important point for Mugello because it's a physically demanding track to ride, especially in the fast direction changes, and you want to be at full strength to be able to ride aggressively there - which you have to do in some parts of the track.

"I think it will be a tough race because it's the home event for my team-mate and for many of our rivals - plus some teams have tested here quite a lot. But I'm looking forward to the challenge. We must continue to work on our machine package and get the maximum possible result."

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