MotoGP News: Dani Pedrosa gets another pole position
This Saturday, the qualifying session for Gran Premio Aperol di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini were held in Misano, Italy. Continuing his recently found great form, Dani Pedrosa got the pole position and first place in starting line-up of Sunday’s race. However, this did not come easy, as Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner made him work to his limits.
Dani Pedrosa gas looked in great form since last week, while he continued to work hard during the qualifying round. However, he had to work very hard for his pole position, as he set up his best lap of the session in his last try. But, it was a worthwhile effort, as Pedrosa showed tremendous pace as he finished beneath the 1’34’’ mark. He barely passed this limit, as he finished on top, while other riders remained over this incredible mark. Nevertheless, it was a great performance, and if he continues to do well on Sunday, he will definitely win the race.
With the previous record broken, i.e. finishing the most consecutive number of races in first two spots, Jorge Lorenzo was still working on another record. During this season, Lorenzo has started every race from front line. In Misano, Lorenzo was looking to maintain this record, while he also led the time sheets for a brief period. However, a great effort by Pedrosa pushed Lorenzo behind, and he could not beat Pedrosa’s time in his last lap of the session. Nevertheless, the record is still maintained, as Lorenzo will start from second position on the grid.
Casey Stoner completed the first row of Sunday’s race, but he had his problems. Initially, he looked threatening in the qualifying session, as he took the lead in the final half hour of the session. However, the front end of his bike seemed to be troubling him again, as he crashed on a turn, just after taking his lead. After the crash, Stoner’s crew worked hard to fix the front end, due to which Stoner eventually returned to action. In the end, he managed to pull through, by setting up the third fastest time.
Valentino Rossi is still under pressure, since his return to MotoGP after his injury. Misano is his home Grand prix, so many speculated that this would help him regain his form. However, he could only manage a fourth spot on the grid, without any real challenge to the front three. The reigning champion will have to work hard for a podium finish on Sunday, which is the least he can do for his home crowd.
Ben Spies had a great second half of the season, as the rider showed some of the best results of his debut year. However, he could only manage a fifth place in Misano, while Randy De Puniet got the last place in second row. It was a great result for De Puniet, who is also trying to regain his fitness, after an injury blow.
Sunday’s race is not going to be a one-sided or two-sided affair, like most of the races in this year’s MotoGP. On the contrary, there is a chance that top five riders will be battling for the podium places. Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner showed great pace, which means that Jorge Lorenzo’s title dreams are still far from being accomplished. The only problem faced by Stoner is the balance of his bike, due to his front end. The same problem seemed to be troubling him in the qualifying session. The race is different, though, as only one lap matters in qualifying, while every single thing matters during a race. So, he can only hope to avoid any problems on Sunday, during the race. This is also a good time for Rossi to bounce back, as he will be getting tremendous support from his Italian fans.
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