MotoGP Misano Grand Prix
Fresh from winning last weekend at Indianapolis Grand Prix, Dani Pedrosa completed his impressive MotoGP weekend in Misano by scoring his second consecutive victory, and his fourth of the season.
The Repsol Honda rider led from the start and didn’t look back, setting a new lap record in the process.
Second position went to championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, while his Fiat Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi fought off Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso for the final step of the podium at his home grand prix.
As the weather remained dry, every rider chose the softer option rear tire for the race as it provided more grip than the harder option whilst also having good consistency over race distance.
With the exception of Alvaro Bautista who used the softer front, all riders opted for the harder front motorcycle slick for its increased stability under braking.
Hiroshi Yasukawa (Director, Bridgestone Motorsport) says: “I’d like to congratulate Dani and Repsol Honda today for their victory; they have really hit their stride at this point in the season and are very strong indeed.”
“But today is a very sad day as we lost a great young Japanese rider, a wonderful character and a shining light who was so young in his motorcycle racing career. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tomizawa-san’s family and friends at this tragic time. His memory shall remain bright in our hearts.”
Tohru Ubukata (Manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire Development Department) says: “I am pleased with tire performance this weekend as Dani set a new lap record, the top four riders were all faster than the existing record and the total race time was ten seconds faster than the previous best.”
“But I am deeply saddened, as are we all, about the passing of the young and talented Tomizawa today. It was a terrible accident and a tragic loss of life and our hearts go out to those who knew him and loved him.”
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) says: “We had very good race pace and my first back-to-back victory and the fourth of the season is great for me and the team. We are working good and getting stronger. Shoya was a very funny guy, always making jokes, and on the bike he was very great too so this is a very sad time.”
