Dani Pedrosa was at the pre-race press conference ahead of the 14th round of the MotoGP season at MotorLand Aragon this weekend which only reminds us that the Spaniard achieved something great.

Pedrosa became the eighth MotoGP winner this season last round in Misano

The Repsol Honda rider was present as a result of winning the last round in Misano; he became the eighth different rider to win a MotoGP this season, a subject that was on everyones’ lips. He was one of four Spaniards present ahead of the race which is just 250km from the capital Barcelona; it is the third visit from the elite field so far this season.

Racing at a Spanish round right after achieving a victory will not half help with Pedrosa’s confidence; especially when it is somewhere where he has won in the past. The MotoGP have raced here since 200 and it was Pedrosa who took the top step of the podium back in 2012.

Pedrosa has experienced success in Aragon previously

Talking about what lies ahead, Pedrosa knows that if he can “get back on the bike and get a good feeling” straight away that he will be confident. He spoke of how MotorLand Aragon is a “track I like” and that is is somewhere he has “gone well in the past”.

The Misano winner said he is “looking forward to it” however, he said he and his team “need to keep focused on the parts [they’re] not best at” and also to “focus on improving”.

Eight different winners in one season

Eight different winners in one season is something that has been unheard of in the past. The new electronics, the tyres and the weather have definitely helped to shake things up. The riders were asked who they thought may become winner number nine and they were all very much in agreeance that Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso has come closest and is most likely in their opinion.

Dovizioso the riders’ favourite to become the ninth winner

Pedrosa said it was “difficult to know” who would be the ninth winner if in fact there is another new name added to the list, however he does feel that Dovizioso “is one of the closest” of the other riders that “haven’t won this season in the dry”. However he said “like we see in some of these flag to flag or wet races” that some other riders that are “normally not so close to win” have been able to win so he feels it is “open” to possibilities.

Pedrosa on wildcard Nicky Hayden

Making a ‘guest appearance’ this round in place of injured Jack Miller aboard the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Honda will be former MotoGP star Nicky Hayden. He currently races for Honda in the World Superbike and has accepted the challenge and is hoping to enjoy the experience of again competing in the MotoGP.

He was once champion, and has a lot of experience that left riders questioning whether he will be in contention should he overcome the differences in the tyres, the electronics and the fact he has not ridden in the MotoGP class for several years.

Considering whether it was possible for Hayden to become rider number nine he said, “If he can do a Bayliss” then he believed he “will be the ninth winner”. He understands it will be “hard for him in the beginning” as he adapts to the “different tyres”. He said, “He’s been in WorldSBK some time now so we’ll see.

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About the author
Danielle Overend
Passionate about everything motorcycles and Moto GP!