Pedrosa clinches German GP
Honda star finishes ahead of Lorenzo and championship leader Stoner.
SACHENRING:
Dani Pedrosa continued his recovery from a broken collarbone by winning the German Grand Prix ahead of compatriot Jorge Lorenzo and championship leader Casey Stoner.
Starting from third on the grid, Pedrosa came flying out of the blocks on his Honda, racing past pole-sitter Stoner and Lorenzo into the lead on the first bend.
Lorenzo and Stoner, however, recovered to enjoy spells out in front, but Pedrosa has won here four times, including twice in the sport’s top class, before and he used that experience to grab a decisive lead on lap 25.
The 25 year-old Spaniard held on to win in 41 minutes and 12.482 seconds, securing his first win since breaking his right collarbone at Le Mans two months ago. “The pace was so high, it was a great race and a perfect result for me,” he told BBC Sport.
“I didn’t expect it at all. Just getting on the front row would have been good enough for me,” added Pedrosa.
Having missed three races as a result of the injury, Pedrosa has no chance of winning the world title.
However, Yamaha rider Lorenzo remains in with a real chance of retaining his crown after edging Stoner into second in a thrilling final lap, crossing the line less than a tenth of a second ahead of the Australian. He is now just 15 points behind Stoner in the standings.
“That was one of the best races so far this season,” said Lorenzo. “It was a fantastic race. I was tired early on, and was struggling to find the strength needed to keep pushing until the end.
“I risked everything on the last corner. I think it was a miracle that I managed to finish second, so I’m proud.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2011.
Dani Pedrosa continued his recovery from a broken collarbone by winning the German Grand Prix ahead of compatriot Jorge Lorenzo and championship leader Casey Stoner.
Starting from third on the grid, Pedrosa came flying out of the blocks on his Honda, racing past pole-sitter Stoner and Lorenzo into the lead on the first bend.
Lorenzo and Stoner, however, recovered to enjoy spells out in front, but Pedrosa has won here four times, including twice in the sport’s top class, before and he used that experience to grab a decisive lead on lap 25.
The 25 year-old Spaniard held on to win in 41 minutes and 12.482 seconds, securing his first win since breaking his right collarbone at Le Mans two months ago. “The pace was so high, it was a great race and a perfect result for me,” he told BBC Sport.
“I didn’t expect it at all. Just getting on the front row would have been good enough for me,” added Pedrosa.
Having missed three races as a result of the injury, Pedrosa has no chance of winning the world title.
However, Yamaha rider Lorenzo remains in with a real chance of retaining his crown after edging Stoner into second in a thrilling final lap, crossing the line less than a tenth of a second ahead of the Australian. He is now just 15 points behind Stoner in the standings.
“That was one of the best races so far this season,” said Lorenzo. “It was a fantastic race. I was tired early on, and was struggling to find the strength needed to keep pushing until the end.
“I risked everything on the last corner. I think it was a miracle that I managed to finish second, so I’m proud.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2011.