Assen MotoGP: Yamaha wary of Dani Pedrosa influence

Valentino Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio believes Spaniard Dani Pedrosa could still play a vital role in deciding the outcome of the 2009 MotoGP world championship.

Although the Repsol Honda rider’s title hopes look effectively over after an injury ravaged start to the season has seen him cut adrift of the thrilling title chase, Brivio is convinced that the triple world champion will be a major influence as the season progresses.

Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner start this weekend’s Dutch GP in Assen tied on 106-points, and with Pedrosa recovering from a serious right hip injury, Brivio told MCN: “I’m sure Dani is going to be back at the front very soon and he could have a very important part to play in the championship.

“He could score big points in some races and hurt the others, so Pedrosa has a big role still to play in the championship.”

Brivio also believes that the next few weeks could see the start of a major attack by Ducati star Stoner.

The Aussie won in Assen, Sachsenring and Donington Park last year – three out of the next four races – and Brivio added, “We know that the next circuits are going to be where Casey is very strong.

“They suit his bike and style and I think they might start his moment. It’s almost like we have studied each other for the first six races and now we start the championship.”