Confident Pedrosa targets Valencia victory

Going into the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana looking for a second race win of 2009 to close off the year, Dani Pedrosa’s confidence is sky high – courtesy of his good run of current form and his excellent record at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.

Still in the hunt for third place in the standings with Ducati’s Casey Stoner, Pedrosa will look to use home advantage to the maximum this weekend at a track where he has won from pole position on four of his seven previous Grand Prix appearances - including the 2007 MotoGP race.

With four top-three finishes from the last four races this season - including his debut wet weather podium at the last round in Malaysia - Pedrosa is in a positive mood as he attempts to overturn the 11-point lead Stoner holds over him for third.

“I always look forward to the Grand Prix at Valencia, and this year is no different,” commented the rider from Barcelona. “It’s a circuit I really enjoy riding at, even though it’s quite a tight layout, but what makes it really special is the way that you can feel the support from the fans all the way round the circuit.”

“Being a Spanish rider, I get a lot of positive attention here which gives you some extra motivation too. I’ve had some good results at Valencia in the past, and this weekend it would be great to finish off the year with a win - that’s what I want.”

The factory Honda rider concluded, “It’s not been the easiest of seasons and we haven’t been able to challenge for the championship so I’m even more determined to sign off on a high note. The result at the last race, where I got on the podium for the first time in wet conditions, has given me a lot of confidence too. We know it can rain at Valencia, so we’re ready for anything this weekend.”