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Pedrosa heads to US, intends to race |
Dani Pedrosa has announced he will travel to the USA in an attempt to compete at this weekend's U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, despite the injuries sustained at the Sachsenring.
Pedrosa was leading the sodden German Grand Prix when he crashed heavily, fracturing his wrist and index finger, as well as sprain his right ankle. Having been discharged from Barcelona hospital where he underwent an arthroscopic operation, he is en route to the USA now.
Indeed, Pedrosa, who is currently second in the MotoGP standings, has every intention of competing this weekend, but admits things will be a lot clearer when he gets back on the bike during free practice to assess his condition.
“In agreement with my doctor we have decided that I will fly to the US and I will do my best to ride this weekend,” he said, after consulting surgeon Dr. Xavier Mir.
“We know that it will not be easy and that we won't know my exact situation until I get on the bike on Friday morning. This is a difficult time for me, of course, but my will is strong and if it is possible for me to ride the bike properly then I really want to ride.”
Pedrosa's cause is not aided by the vigour of the Laguna Seca circuit, complete with its crests and troughs, so the Spaniard is facing a tough weekend ahead in his bid to remain well in title contention.
“Laguna is a physically demanding track when you are 100 per cent, so it will be tough with my injuries, but I know I can count on the support of the people around me to get me in the best possible shape.
“Laguna is what I call an 'old school' circuit, with a lot of steep uphill and downhill sections. The fans are great there, very respectful of all the riders, so I would like to do my best for them. We will see what we can do. I would like to thank everyone around me and also my fans for their support over the last few days.”
