The home straight of the 2012 World Championship is upon us. The San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP is the latest round of the series and takes place this weekend at Misano. Dani Pedrosa is chasing his third consecutive GP win and looking to cut the gap to leader Jorge Lorenzo.
On a run of two consecutive race victories and eight GPs on the podium (level with his own personal record), Dani Pedrosa lands at Misano in one of the best runs of form in his career. Just 13 points separate him from his objective of the World Championship lead. The Repsol Honda Team rider has three podiums at this circuit from the past three races, including a win in 2010.
Pedrosa will be joined by a new teammate for this race. World Superbikes rider Jonathan Rea comes in for the injured Casey Stoner and will debut in MotoGP onboard the Repsol Honda RC213V. He has already tried out the bike at the recent Brno and Aragón tests.
Dani Pedrosa
MotoGP Rider
"Misano is a tricky track, quite bumpy, with a lot of braking and accelerations. The grip level is always a challenge, because it changes a lot from the morning sessions to the afternoon. In the past, our bike has been quite unstable there but I believe this year we have improved that. I hope the work we have done in the Brno and Aragon tests with suspension and electronics, can help us to start the weekend strong in Misano. We need to continue working in the same way, focusing on our bike's performance and my riding to keep reducing the gap in the Championship".
Jonathan Rea
MotoGP Rider
"For me its a big dream come true just to race in MotoGP; it's been very unfortunate for Casey to sustain such an injury when he was having a very strong season and my best wishes go to him while he recovers. Now, my job is to replace him and I will try to do the best I can. I love Misano, I've already raced there this year and I finished second, it's also where I had my first ever Superbike win in 2009 and I enjoy the circuit and the Italian fans, they are always very enthusiastic.
I take this opportunity like a great gift from Honda; in the few days I've spent with the team I have felt very good, they understand it will take me some time to push with this bike but I'm learning every time I get on it. It's been great to have these 3 days testing on the bike to prepare myself and for sure Friday morning will be less chaotic. We already have the riding position set, the base setup is set and I understand the electronics a little more. I know it's going to be busy, but I'm ready".
