Making their first appearance on stage together was the formidable 2011 Repsol Honda Team line up with Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner unveiling the new RC212V. HRC goes into the 2011 season with an incredible effort and determination and Vice President, Shuhei Nakamoto underlined the hard work done during the winter to improve all aspects of the RC212V. Shuhei Nakamoto welcomed on stage Dani, Andrea and Casey.
Repsol Honda Team 2011
Dani Pedrosa:
“I was looking forward to be again together with my team to plan the new season. The winter break has been long, as always, but in my case also good because I had time to rest and do a proper rehabilitation for my shoulder. I feel stronger now and arrive here in Sepang much better but I’m also looking forward to see what is my level on the bike. It will be like a personal test for me and I’m excited to see the results. The test program is to continue developing the good base we had last year. In particular we need to find something extra on the chassis and the engine to improve the stability of the bike entering the corner and the traction at the exit. My target is to fight for the title, of course. In my previous years in MotoGP I had very good races, I’ve been fighting in front but I still miss the title. This can be due to several reasons, but if I could change something I would say my real wish is to avoid further injury. It’s very difficult, I know, but this would be my first desire, to be on all the starting grids this season because my absence results in valuable points lost.”
The RC212V and the riders
Andrea Dovizioso:
“I’m very happy to be part of the Repsol Honda Team, especially this year as we will be a very competitive team, stronger than ever. We are three riders able to fight for the win and the title, me and my team are very enthusiastic. Last year we did a good season, in Valencia test we took another step forward with the evolutions brought by Honda. This year we have a high target; to fight for the Championship. Honda has worked hard during the winter and I also did my part. I have started a new training method to gain more resistance in the race distance, I have trained a lot and I am really confident in my preparation. Then of course we can see the final results only once on track, but fortunately I don’t have to wait too much.”
Casey Stoner:
“I’m really excited and It’s a great emotion to wear the Repsol Honda colours for the first time. When I was a child, I used to watch Mick Doohan winning Championships one after the other with these colours and for me it’s an honour to be part of this team. I look forward to jump on the bike because in November the first test was very positive but Valencia is a particular track. Here in Sepang, it will be important to understand better the strong points of the RC212V and where we have to improve to be competitive at every track. I know that it will be a tough season because there are many strong riders, starting from my two team mates, but I’m very motivated for this new challenge.”
via Hondaproracing
