Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa takes unexpected victory at Japanese Grand Prix – MotoGP news
Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa took his first ever victory at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit during the Grand Prix of Japan on Sunday, October 2, 2011.
It was an unexpected run to success as early race leader Casey Stoner lost his position after a strange wobble.
Since the start off, all three Repsol Honda riders ran on top three slots for the initial four laps. Stoner was chased by Andrea Dovizioso ahead of Dani Pedrosa. During the fifth lap, Stoner went through a strong shake, running into the run-off gravel.
After that, Andrea Dovizioso led the race for couple of laps but he also had to go through pit lane for hitting a ‘jump start’ leaving Dani to lead the race. The Spaniard grabbed the opportunity with both hands and extended his lead gap over Jorge Lorenzo.
Dani Pedrosa said, “I'm super happy with this victory, for the team that has been working so well, for HRC because this is the first win in Motegi with the Repsol Honda Team and for myself because it is the first time I've won here in MotoGP after doing
so in 125cc and 250cc.”
After both of his teammates Stoner and Dovizioso dropped to bottom ten positions, Dani was left with effortless lead. The only thing Pedrosa had to do was to defend his position from Jorge Lorenzo and open up the gap.
On the other side of the Repsol Honda garage, 2011 championship leader Casey Stoner spent the weekend leading the practice time sheets and also claiming a tenth pole seat in the season. The Aussie availed a good start but an unlucky wobble ruined his win.
Stoner said, “Andrea was riding very well on the soft tyre compound and we knew ours would work well towards the end of the race, so the pace we had at that stage I was very comfortable with. As I came out of the back straight I got a wobble on the bike.”
Their third teammate at Repsol Honda, Andrea Dovizioso was strong and stood close to his other two teammates. Dovizioso’s run for podium was affected by the ride through penalty due his jump start in the race.
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