The 2018 Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana signals the end of Dani Pedrosa’s (Repsol Honda Team) illustrious career, and it’s a circuit that he has an impressive record at.
Pedrosa was last year’s winner at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo after a brilliant battle with Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), this being his fourth win in Valencia in the premier class. The others? His magnificent win from pitlane in 2012 was his last before his 2017 triumph, with 2007 and 2009 coming before that.
Alongside this, Pedrosa has three other podiums to his name in the MotoGP™ class at the venue, while also boasting three wins in the lower classes – one in 125 and two in 250. In total, the 33-year-old has claimed 12 podiums in Valencia and with it being one of his favourite tracks, is this the perfect venue to bow out with a podium or victory?
2018 – so far – is the only year he hasn’t recorded a single podium in, while the last time Pedrosa went a season without standing on the top step of the podium was his 125 rookie season back in 2001. After the beginning of his season was blighted by a wrist injury and big crashes, Pedrosa will be wanting to put that stat right and he’s fully focused on having a solid weekend on track, despite it being a special occasion.
“Clearly, the next race in Valencia will be a bit special, as it will be my final race, so the feeling will be different than usual,” began the number 26 rider. “It’s also going to be busy because many of my people, friends and family will come there wishing to spend time together.
“But when I climb on my bike, my entire focus will be on riding. I like the track as it’s one of my favourites on the calendar, and of course I’ll try and get the best result possible on Sunday.”
A win or a podium would be an immensely fitting way for the three-time World Champion to say goodbye to racing. Find out how he and the rest of the field get on when the premier class head out for FP1 at 09:55 in Valencia.
In addition, tune into motogp.com at 16:00 local time in Valencia on Thursday to see Pedrosa become a MotoGP™ Legend!