Despite all the drama surrounding this round at Le Mans, what really stood out was not only Casey Stoner who clearly domimated the race after shaking off a feisty and then a very unfortunate Dani Pedrosa, but the complete package that Honda has put together, and the fact that it goes well with four completely different riding styles, something that Ducati is still chasing after.
Here’s what the Repsol Honda riders had to say:Casey Stoner – 1st The whole weekend has gone so well for us, arriving here from the Portugal test with the bike almost the same and we have improved small things here and there and only needed to adjust the set up for this circuit.
We went into the race confident, at the beginning of the race Dani was very fast and he was difficult to pass as he as being cautious.
When I overtook him I thought I might be able to take some advantage but he was able to match my times and follow me for some laps, so I continued to push more than I prefer to and eventually I put a gap between us.
From this point the race came to me and I was able to focus on my consistency and win.
A big thanks to the team and everyone for all their hard work, but my thoughts are with Dani at this moment, I hope he can recover soon as he is a very strong contender for this Championship”.
Andrea Dovizioso – 2nd“I’m really happy with the second position today, it’s so important for the Championship and it arrives after a start of the season, where we didn’t get the results we expected.
We did a very good job with the team since the beginning of the weekend and I knew I could fight for the podium, but I didn’t expect second place.
I had a great battle with Valentino and to beat him always has a special taste, and it’s a good fun to get the podium after a hard fight.
I was losing a lot in two areas but I was strong in braking, so I made a good strategy and once I overtook him, I pushed 100 percent not to have him too close especially in turns 10 and 11, where he was faster.
Concerning the race, I had a good start, Lorenzo’s strong overtaking slowed me down a little, but then I pushed to recover the gap.
We had good pace, but we need to be faster.
We have to keep on working to reduce the gap to stay with the front riders from the beginning.
Dani today was very unlucky and I hope he can recover soon.
”Dani Pedrosa – DNF“I was having a good race, the goal was to ensure another podium and I had it in my grasp.
But it counts for nothing.
Simoncelli overtook me, I passed him back and I had the better line, he just came into me releasing the brakes and I could do nothing.
I leave here with a broken collarbone and he with a ride through penalty, good for him! Yet again I come out worse off.
We only just recovered from the nightmare of the last operation and now I’m hurt again.
It is very unfair, I don’t deserve it”.