Moto GP

[Rev004]

It appears that Pedrosa won't be fit for the next lot of testing at Jerez and is hoping to be fit for the 1st round at Qatar in April so here's some more info to go through if you want something to read...

Pedrosa targets Qatar return after hospital discharge
Saturday, 07 March 2009

Repsol Honda rider leaves USP Institut Universitari Dexeus on Saturday following surgery on knee and arm.


Dani Pedrosa has left the Barcelona hospital where he underwent two operations last week, seventy-two hours after checking into the facility. The Spaniard had gone under the knife to treat damage picked up in a crash at the recent Qatar night test, and is now targeting a return to action at the season-opening MotoGP round held at the very same circuit.

“We are planning to work hard and so be ready for the first race in Qatar, but when the day arrives we will have to see whether I am really in perfect shape to get on the bike,” Pedrosa told the media at a Saturday morning press conference, having ruled out any possible participation in this monthâ€s Official Test in Jerez.

“The objective is to try and be fit for the first race. You do not choose to be in a situation like this, but we have no other choice than to face up to things and to carry on. I have fallen many times and I have always fought back and I will do it again. We will get back to riding fast on the bike, but it is true that I am having some problems this pre-season, but there is nothing we can do about that, we just have to keep going.”

Of the two concurrent procedures carried out by Doctors Xavier Mir and Bartoleme Ferreira, it is that performed on Pedrosaâ€s knee that will require the most recovery time. Three weeks of complete rest, followed by light bending of the joint after that time, mean that it will be a race against time for the former MotoGP World Championship runner-up to get anywhere near to full fitness by the time the floodlights are turned on in Qatar on April 12th, although microsurgeon Mir –whose arm surgery on Pedrosa will only leave the rider waiting a week before rehabilitation- stated his confidence in a speedy recovery.

“We are optimistic, although we cannot commit ourselves to being ready for the first race. We will take all the relevant steps to speed his recovery, and even though we cannot say whether he will be ready for the first race we do not rule anything out,” said Dr. Mir.

“The knee injury is more complicated but it is looking very good, so we are optimistic. We know that in many cases the recovery times for professional sportsmen are usually shorter, and keeping this in mind Daniâ€s prognosis is very good.”

Pedrosa is now walking with the aid of crutches, as he prepares for what will be a tough recovery process.


Lorenzo and Elias hope for speedy Pedrosa return
Monday, 09 March 2009

Fellow MotoGP Spaniards wish rival well on road to recovery.


Two riders who have had their share of missed races through injury, Jorge Lorenzo and Toni Elias have both expressed their desire to see wounded rival Dani Pedrosa make a speedy recovery in time for the 2009 seasonâ€s opening race in Qatar.

The two were present at the opening of the Castelloli facility in Spain this past weekend, whilst Pedrosa was receiving the all-clear to leave the Barcelona hospital in which he underwent surgery on his left arm and knee following a crash in testing.

“I hope that Pedrosa is in Qatar, because he is one of the riders that brings life to the World Championship, and without him there would be something missing from the grid,” said Lorenzo of his persistent foe.

“He is a very strong rider, and I think that he is going to try to be there.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Elias had two particularly injury-filled years in 2007 & 2008, including a spell on the sidelines after a sever leg break in Assen. He gave a message of best wishes to his countryman at the presentation.

“I donâ€t know how serious his injuries are, but I do know from experience that injuries are never a good thing. They arrive at unexpected times and make things hard, but youâ€ve got to push on through. I want to wish him the best; weâ€ll be waiting for him on track.”

Pedrosa will miss the final test of the 2009 preseason at Jerez due to his recovery from the injuries and surgery.


World Championship faces open new Spanish circuit
Monday, 09 March 2009

Jorge Lorenzo and Toni Elias amongst guests at Parcmotor de Castelloli.


The new Parcmotor de Castelloli circuit in Barcelona, Spain, united a number of homegrown talents this past Saturday for the grand opening of the road track. MotoGP riders Jorge Lorenzo and Toni Elias were joined by former World Champions Alex Criville, Sito Pons and Emilio Alzamora, plus 125cc stars Pol Espargaro, Joan Olive and Marc Marquez, in giving their support for the track.

Almost all of the paddock faces took part in a group lap of honour to mark the opening of the track, part of an ambitious facility that has previously held the Trial des Nations team event and will include several road races and a riding school. Marquez was chosen to cut the ribbon to officially declare the track open.

The near 4,200 metre circuit also incorporates other shorter layouts for two-wheel competition, and received a glowing review from the riders, summed up by Olive.

“It is a beautiful track, surrounded by nature. The corners are incredible, based on other tracks. I hope that one day the World Championship will come here, because it is very well made.”