Mugello MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa happy with second pole position

Dani Pedrosa declared himself satisfied after the Spaniard claimed his second pole position in the last three MotoGP races at a subdued Mugello today.

With reigning world champion and home favourite Valentino Rossi sidelined by a serious right leg injury, Pedrosa seized pole position from Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo in the final seconds of qualifying.

Pedrosa clocked a best time of 1.48.819 to beat fellow Spaniard Lorenzo by just 0.177s with Aussie Casey Stoner completing the front row.

Triple world champion Pedrosa said:

“It’s great to be on pole here and we’ve been working very hard through free practice and in qualifying this afternoon to improve things from yesterday. We have achieved this, so I’m satisfied.

“Being on the front row is the important thing and we have to keep our concentration because to win the race is the target – we have to make it tomorrow! We were pushing very hard right to the end of the session and we were able to do a good final lap, but the most important factor is that we’ve been able to be consistent too.

“Lorenzo will be the man to beat tomorrow, but we are confident, the machine is working better here and we are in better shape than at the last race in Le Mans. So tomorrow for the race we hope to maintain our performance right to the end. We still have to improve our race pace a little but I’m feeling very well here.”

Pedrosa joined several of his MotoGP rivals in declaring his sadness at Rossi’s injury that has killed of the Italian’s hopes of claiming a tenth world crown in 2010.
The 24-year-old added: “I didn’t see Rossi’s crash, but what I’ve heard about the injury doesn’t sound good. It’s a pity because all of us riders know how you feel when you are hurt, and I just hope that the operation goes well for him because the first operation is always the most important.”