Title rivals predict tough weekend for Dani Pedrosa

Injured Spaniard Dani Pedrosa’s main world title rivals have predicted a tough weekend for the factory Honda rider as he attempts to ride through the pain barrier in Laguna Seca.

Just five days since he spectacularly crashed out of the lead in last Sunday’s German GP, Pedrosa will attempt to ride his RC212V to salvage some points in this weekend’s 32-lap American race.

He has a broken index finger on his left hand and tendon damage in at least two other digits. He’s also suffering multiple bruising after he slammed headfirst into a trackside air fence in a rain-soaked Sachsenring race.

World title rivals Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi have both predicted a tough weekend ahead for the triple world champion at the challenging Laguna Seca track.
Stoner, who is just four-points adrift of Pedrosa after a stunning recent run of form, said: “It will be tough because there are a lot of changes of direction at this circuit.

“And 32-laps means it is a very long and demanding race. It is going to be quite hard on the body and there are a few bumps around here that can shake you up a bit. He’s got to keep his head down and not give up.”

Pedrosa’s Germany blunder gifted the series lead back to Fiat Yamaha rider Rossi, who said: “Unfortunately Dani had a horrible crash and I saw him at the airport and for sure his condition is not at the maximum.

“He will try but when you race like that it is always very difficult. He will try the maximum to keep some points though to remain in the fight for the championship.”