Moto GP: Pedrosa takes pole in Italy

Updated on: 05 September,2010 09:04 AM IST |
AFP |

Spain's Dani Pedrosa, the winner at Indianapolis last weekend, took pole position for the San Marino Grand Prix on Saturday for the 35th pole of his career and 17th in MotoGP.

Spain's Dani Pedrosa, the winner at Indianapolis last weekend, took pole position for the San Marino Grand Prix on Saturday for the 35th pole of his career and 17th in MotoGP.

Honda rider Pedrosa edged out compatriot and overall series leader Jorge Lorenzo, who was just three thousandths of a second slower.

"I prefer to be in front because the first corner is very tight and I don't want to find myself in a mass crash," said Pedrosa.

Italy's multi-time world champion Valentino Rossi, winner here the past two seasons, was fourth fastest, edging out American rookie Ben Spies, who is replacing Ducati-bound Rossi at Yamaha next season. Qualifying was so tight that the first 10 riders were within a second of each other after Honda had threatened to dominate it on Friday in practice.

"We are doing a very good job at the moment, improving at every round and now we have the chance to have another good race," added the 24-year-old Pedrosa who has won three races this season.

"I've never won two MotoGP races in a row and this is a good challenge for me ufffd I really want to go for it."

Lorenzo with seven wins under his belt this season has a 68-point lead in the championship and was happy with his second spot in qualifying.

"We have improved in every practice and I'm happy about this session," said the Spaniard.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels