Michelin Report

MPEDROSA TAKES A CLOSE-RUN THIRD AT SEPANG

Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V-Michelin) played a major part in today’s thrilling Malaysian Grand Prix, running in the leading group throughout and eventually finishing third, just 2.3 seconds behind winner Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici).

It was an impressive performance from the young Spaniard who spent the early stages of the race in second place. Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha Team YZR-M1-Michelin) also impressed today, charging through the pack to finish fifth after a slow getaway had left him tenth after the first lap. The Italian was the fastest man on track in the closing stages and ended the race just 4.7 seconds behind the winner. Both men used Michelin’s latest construction 16.5-inch rear slick in medium compound.

Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC212V-Michelin) also promised much as he too moved forward, from 11th on lap one, to battle for sixth place before running off the track mid-race and then recovering to finish ninth. The American used Michelin’s new 16-inch rear tyre for the second race running.

“We knew this would be a tough race but it was a good race and a fast race,” said Jean-Philippe Weber, Michelin’s director of motorcycle racing. “Dani knew that front-tyre performance would be very important here and he told us that his front tyre stayed consistent until the end. It was a shame that Valentino got such a bad start because he also rode a fantastic race, with an amazing pace at the end. Nicky also rode well, using the 16-inch rear, but sadly he ran off the track, otherwise his result would have been much better.”

Pedrosa said: “I pushed very hard. I was quite confident behind Casey, then I struggled a bit while braking in a straight line, so Marco Melandri (Gresini Honda RC212V) passed me. After that I tried to keep my rhythm, then as the race went on I got a better feeling from the front and I was really surprised by the pace, it was very fast, so I must say thank you to Michelin.”

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