Q&A: Dani Pedrosa.

Q:
Can you tell us about your first impressions after your first ride on this new bike?

Dani Pedrosa:This is a very different bike, we had very different sensations. I think that we still have to check out all the aspects on this bike in greater detail.

Q:
Compared to the 2007 bike what important differences would you emphasise after this first ride?

DP:
Above all the differences are on the rider position. That is the biggest difference I noticed.

Q:
The Repsol Honda Team announced on Monday that it was going to continue with Michelin next year. Satisfied with the decision?

DP:
This was a very important decision, so we will have to see if we get them to work well. We are going to try and make this into the right decision, because we are dying to make them work. I felt hungry and decisive, but obviously the results were missing.

Q:
Have you done any tests with new tyres? Do you think that things are going in the right direction after the last few races and this practice?

DP:
I tried a few different combinations but they were not new tyres. In the last few races we improved, but we are still far from having perfect races every weekend.

Q:
Could you tell us about the best moments of the 2007 season?

DP:
We have not had any great moments, and so I can only give you one. For me a moment is not a day, it is a certain period. We cannot say that we have had great moment this year.

Q:
And the worst moments?

DP:
Halfway through the year when the tyres were not really working at many circuits.

Q:
Fifth last year in your first season and two victories, in the end this season you were runner-up with another two victories, and all this after a very difficult season. Satisfied in the end?

DP:
Obviously much more satisfied than last year, but seeing the level we were at this year we are not at all satisfied. There were too many problems, although you always have to see the positive side...Referring to the question, no, not completely happy.

Q:
The 2007 season finished in Valencia last Sunday, just two days later you have started the 2008 season. Is this rhythm not tiring physically and mentally? How can you maintain your concentration without feeling fed up after a very long hard season?"

DP:
That is a question of having your mind open and getting used to it. We must be aware of what we are practising and we have to find the best option.

Q:
In the last few years Valencia has become, as it is the final race in the calendar, a sort of final exam for the riders where the fans are the examiners. Before going to the Circuito Ricardo Tormo did you expect your top marks and the support that the fans gave you over the whole weekend?

DP:
The truth is that you always feel the support and affection from the public. I have always had a very special relationship with them, because it is very different from the criticism that I have seen in the press. I liked to see how the fans have supported us so well, especially myself.

Q:
They say you learn from your mistakes. Do you think that you have learnt much, the team, HRC and yourself, this year?

DP:
My team yes. My team has learnt a lot, learning what they have to do, in what way...but there are so many working in this team, in this factory, that it is difficult to know whether the same mistakes will be repeated.

Q:
Finally, can you tell us about your plans in the next two months, from now to the end of the year?

DP:
Tests in Jerez, and then a little rest. Holidays and to enjoy myself at Christmas.