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PICTURES: Honda checks out Ducati |
Honda's preparations for the 2008 MotoGP season haven't exactly gone to plan - with its pneumatic-valve engine withdrawn for further development and the last minute return of the 2007 machine for evaluation at the Qatar season opener - so few could blame these HRC team members for casting an admiring eye over the Ducati Desmosedici during last weekend's Losail event.
Nicky Hayden was the top factory Honda rider in qualifying, placing his '07 RC212V sixth on the grid, but it was team-mate Dani Pedrosa that played a starring role in the inaugural night race - storming from eighth on the grid to lead the early laps before collecting an unexpected podium finish with the '08 racer.
Nevertheless, Casey Stoner and Ducati were once again untouchable, winning the race by over five seconds from Yamaha's rookie Jorge Lorenzo. Pedrosa finished 10 seconds behind Stoner after 22 laps.
What do you think the Honda team members were saying as they looked at the Ducati? Add your captions in the comments section below...
