Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) had to work hard at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya for his podium. He was up in podium contention from the start of the race but became locked in a battle with Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar). The young Spanish rider was hyper aggressive, his attacks in the final chicane costing both riders valuable time and saw them lose contact with the leaders. Pedrosa would eventually break Viñales, but his tyres were done and he was unable to close down the leading two.
This is Pedrosa’s fifth straight podium at his home circuit and sees him extend his lead over Maverick Viñales in their battle for fourth place in the standings. The result is also proof that both Pedrosa and Honda are continuing to get faster and are edging closer and closer to being a regular contender once again. Monday’s test in Barcelona will be another important day for Pedrosa to continue improving the RC213V.
Dani Pedrosa: “This has been a positive race. We opted for the intermediate rear tyre because I felt more comfortable with it. On the first few laps I tried not to wear it down too much so as to keep it in good condition for the final stretch of the race. In the fight with Maverick Viñales I lost contact with the front group, but I managed to set a good pace and push a little more. In the final laps, the rear tyre had degraded quite a lot and there was nothing more that I could do. I’m happy to get back at the front and return to the podium, and to do so at home but on the other hand it’s been a difficult weekend for what has happened. Luis’s family wanted us to continue, and we gave our all for him and for them. The minute’s silence, with all the riders and the whole MotoGP family, was really emotional.”