Pedrosa confirms Qatar participation

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa has confirmed that he will be present for the first practice session at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar. Speaking on his blog at www.repsol.com, the Spaniard announced that he had decided at the last minute to head to Losail.

Pedrosa has been sidelined since a crash at the track in testing, which led to him needing surgery on his leg and arm. Unable to bend his leg to 90 degrees whilst his rivals were testing in Jerez less than two weeks ago, it is unlikely that he is at full fitness for the opening race of 2009.

The recuperation of Pedrosa’s left knee and arm has progressed more quickly than expected, according to a separate statement from sponsors Repsol.