Dani Pedrosa expects Ducati success for Valentino Rossi

In-form Spaniard Dani Pedrosa has backed Valentino Rossi to be a big success in 2011 when the Italian completes a switch to Ducati.

The nine-times world champion will quit Yamaha at the end of the season to partner Nicky Hayden in Ducati’s official factory squad.

And Repsol Honda rival Pedrosa says he expects Rossi to make a successful switch next season.

Pedrosa, who has dominated the last two races in Indianapolis and Misano, told MCN: “What he is capable of doing is just a matter of belief and confidence because nobody knows if he is going to do the same or not.

“He is a top rider and he has the ability to do it and if the time is good for him he will do it.  It is up to him and his determination.

“But I have no doubt he can do it. He’s a good rider and he will be fighting for race wins and the championship.”

Pedrosa goes into this weekend’s Motorland Aragon race in Spain trailing Fiat Yamaha rival Jorge Lorenzo by 63-points with just six races remaining.

Pedrosa though is enjoying his most successful season in MotoGP since his debut in 2006.

He won back-to-back races for the first time in Indianapolis and Misano and his victory tally of four so far is his best ever winning form.