Dani Pedrosa soldiered on through practice at Phillip Island on Friday, but as Matthew Clayton writes, he might need to sit out this weekend to avoid compromising his 2011 season
It’s hard to fault Dani Pedrosa’s bravery. Anyone who gets back on a bike after fracturing their left collarbone in three places deserves a pat on the back (if not the shoulder) – and anyone who gets back on a bike 14 days after the accident that caused the fracture is as gutsy – or as crazy – as they come. But after Friday practice at Phillip Island, you have to wonder why the Spaniard had bothered.
Pedrosa came to Australia 10 days after surgery on his battered body at home in Spain, and while getting back in the saddle to defend second place in the championship standings from Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso is admirable, it may be a bridge too far for the 25-year-old. Looking to be favouring his left side, Pedrosa managed just seven laps on Friday before calling it a day, the Repsol Honda team shutting the door on his side of the garage after just 25 minutes. In some ways, it would make sense for them to keep it closed for the rest of the weekend.
There’s no benefit in Pedrosa pushing himself this weekend. Whatever happens at the Island, he’ll leave Australia still in second place in the championship. With a fortnight before the next race in Portugal, he has time to train, to rest, to exercise his sore body and steel himself for the final two rounds of the season. But he’s a racer, and it’s hard to argue – or reason – with that thinking.
Second place in the championship clearly means something to Pedrosa – he changed from his customary number 26 to number 2 for the 2008 MotoGP season after taking the runner-up spot to Casey Stoner in the final race of 2007 at Valencia. But with Stoner set to join Honda next season, Ben Spies making the move to the factory Yamaha outfit as Lorenzo’s teammate, and Rossi switching to Ducati for 2011, the start of the next season is no time to be anything less than 100 per cent fit – and on a super-fast Phillip Island layout made even more treacherous by soaking rain on Friday, you have to wonder if it’s worth the risk. Another serious injury – and the rehabilitation time needed to get back up to speed again – could have a dire impact on his championship aspirations next year.
Pedrosa has won at the Island in the past, taking victory in the 2005 250cc race here as part of a championship-winning season that featured eight wins – but his recent returns in Australia leave plenty to be desired. Yes, he was third here last year, but he was so far behind Stoner and Rossi battling it out at the front that few noticed. In 2008, his race lasted until Turn 2 on the opening lap before he threw his Honda at the scenery. And who can forget that, in 2003 and with the 125cc world championship in his pocket, he broke both ankles in a practice crash at this very track?
With more rain forecast for the seaside circuit for the remainder of the weekend, and with his battered body needing some respite, it would be wise for Pedrosa to shut it down and head home for some R&R. He probably won’t, but for the long term, it might be the best decision he’s made all year – and for next year too.
The views in The Inside Line are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
