Dani's bike faster

Marco Melandri has hinted that factory Honda rider Dani Pedrosa has already received engine upgrades on the new RC212V 800cc contender.

The Italian spoke to MCN having followed the triple world champion in testing. Melandri, on the Bridgestone-shod Gresini Honda in 2007, said: “I saw Pedrosa and his bike looked so fast. I tried to follow him and we came out of the last corner together, but he pulled 20 metres on me and I saw him pass Carlos Checa very easy.”

Melandri said he was hoping that some new engine parts would be available for him soon, with his biggest winter complaint on the V4 Honda being a lack of horsepower.

“Seeing Dani’s bike makes me happy but I’d be happier if I had his engine. If Honda can give us something for the engine then we can improve,” said the former world 250 champion.