MotoGP: Injury won't harm Dani Pedrosa's title hopes says Casey Stoner

Reigning world champion Casey Stoner reckons Dani Pedrosa will have no problems in being able to fight for victories from the start of the 2008 season next month.

Dani Pedrosa has missed eight days of winter testing so far after he broke his right hand in two places last month in Malaysia.

The Spaniard, who announced yesterday he is dumping his trademark number 26 to run the number two plate next season, is expected to return to action on February 16, 2008 in Jerez.

But Casey Stoner says it would be foolish to write off the triple world champion, even though he has missed crucial time to develop the Repsol Honda RC212V and Michelin tyres.

Stoner said: “In 2006 I missed the whole pre-season. I finished sixth in the first race, then I got pole and my third race I was second and nearly won.

“I don’t think you can fall so behind. Dani knows how to ride a bike.

“Maybe in the two tests before the first race if he can arrive back he’ll be fine. I’m sure he’ll understand quick enough what he needs to do,” added the Aussie.