The last Spanish Grand Prix brought back to our good memories a certain Dani Pedrosa. He had in fact been practically forgotten as HRC pilot after being pushed into the shadows once Casey Stoner was installed, before being completely put under the spotlight since Marc Márquez took up residence at its ratings. But in Jerez, two weeks ago, we saw the Pedrosa that we no longer expected: combative, taking up challenges, going to duels, and finally letting his talent shine to reconstitute the clan of the fantastic four in MotoGP.
And indeed, with this achievement on his land, and in front of his lively compatriot five-time World Champion, Dani Pedrosa reported that the title this year could well be played out by four players. And not just three. It must be said that, on paper, the 31-year-old Honda official is a client: 263 Grands Prix to his credit, 146 podiums, 53 achievements to his list including 30 in the premier category. A well-rounded CV which allows him to claim the position of World Champion.
Certainly, but in practice something is missing. Since his first year in MotoGP, 2006, the soldier Pedrosa has let himself be taken over by the kind Dani. Who was forgotten during the fourth round of the calendar. So which of the two characters will be in the running for fifth at Le Mans? “ You journalists change your mind about me so much that I'm lost myself » laughs the person concerned. “ All I can say is that I'm happy right now. I perceive things better than when I was younger ».
He specifies : " before, things came naturally and in this case, we don't realize what's happening. You don't understand why you are so fast and why there are so many drivers behind you. But as you get older, you are more focused on what is happening and you have to work harder to achieve them. It's not that simple anymore. You really have to work because it's not that easy anymore ».
Obviously, in view of the last result, the work, for Pedrosa, it’s health. Is this also the effect of the coach Gibernau present at his side? “ I take things as they come. Being a favorite or an underdog is something that no longer concerns me, I am only focused on my subject. Things happen or don't happen simply because people talk about them or not. You only get there if you take care of yourself. This is what happened in Jerez and this is what made this victory so beautiful..
A method that Dani Pedrosa will be keen to apply again at Le Mans this weekend. The Spaniard is fourth in the championship, ten lengths behind the leader Valentino Rossi.
