His older team-mate is still suffering from the after-effects of a collarbone fracture before the summer break. It happened in practice for the German GP, ruling him out of the race and also losing him the points lead he had taken from Marquez with two previous race wins.
After choosing natural healing rather than surgery, Pedrosa is having to draw on all his reserves of courage and race-craft in an intensive period of racing: the Czech Republic GP is the middle one of three races on consecutive weekends. Last Sunday they raced at Indianapolis in the USA, where Marquez and Pedrosa were first and second; next weekend they race again in the British GP at Silverstone.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda RC213V): 3rd – 1m 55.863
“I’m not entirely happy because I had the confidence and determination to fight for pole. I could not take advantage of the second tyre because there was a lot of traffic and some riders were waiting for a tow. But it is what it is – one day I will look to follow them, another day it will be the opposite! With regards to the race, I feel confident as I’m comfortable on the bike and have a good foundation and good pace. If the race is dry, then I feel ready to challenge for the win.”
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda): 4th – 1m 55.868
“The sessions were pretty difficult today, because we had trouble finding a set-up that I was happy with. In the last minute we were able to improve it, coming up with something that is more suited to my riding and which allowed me to ride more comfortably. Still, the times for everyone have been very close throughout the weekend, so we will have to fight hard. The important thing will be holding up physically, getting a good start and having a good race -whatever the conditions.”
Repsol Honda Team Press Release
