“To test the 2017 bike is a good reason to be at Valencia.” Repsol Honda Dani Pedrosa is back on track three weeks after he crashed on October 15 during the first session of free practice in Motegi, Japan. In that one crash he suffered three injuries: right collarbone, fracture to the topof the right peroneal bone and fracture to the fourth metatarsus of the right foot.  

The Spaniard is probably the most fragile rider of the MotoGP grid. When he underwent the surgery in Barcelona on his way back from Japan, it was the seventh operation in that area. “With a broken collarbone, foot and leg, I couldn’t do anything. No training, no cycling or swimming. I had to do a complete stop. The imperative was to relax and for this reason I am stiff and I have lost a lot strength”, commented Pedrosa in Valencia.

“My target on Friday was to check my feeling on the bike. I was expecting to have pain and it was painful, but I can ride, although not at my maximum. The hardest part of the track is the changing of directions and the right corners, but luckily at Valencia there more left corners.”

For Pedrosa it was important to be back, for more than one reason. Straight after his crash, on the Spanish media had circulated the rumour that he was going to retire.   “I was surprised. I had to react immediately,” stated an annoyed Pedrosa. “And then I wanted to test the 2017 bike. This is another very good reason to be here. This year I have struggled more than Marc, especially at the beginning. My riding style didn’t fit. I’m back to work on the new bike. It’s important to start on the right direction and I want to give my feedback”.

The incident in Motegi interrupted the very positive momentum crowned by the victory in Misano and the sixth place in Aragon.  Valencia is a good track for Pedrosa, who finished on the podium in the last four seasons.