Czech GP next target for Repsol Honda Team

Repsol Honda Team excited to resume after Summer Break

After a well deserved two week summer break, the Repsol Honda Team are looking forward to resuming racing in Brno this weekend.

Repsol Honda Riders, Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner have all enjoyed some time off with family and friends as well as resuming their training programmes after a gruelling six races in just eight weeks. In Brno this weekend they will be hoping to carry on as they left off in Laguna Seca on July 24, where they celebrated another double podium.

Casey Stoner has experienced mixed fortunes at the Czech circuit, with a podium in 250cc Class (2005) and one win in MotoGP Class (2007), last year he took the final podium spot finishing third. With his strong win in Laguna, Casey arrives in the Czech Republic in high spirits and will be looking for his sixth win of the 2011 season.

Andrea Dovizioso's top finish in Brno has been second place (250cc - 2006, 2007, 125cc - 2004), so he will be hoping to repeat his fine form from this season and take his first MotoGP Class Podium at this circuit.

Dani Pedrosa has enjoyed good results in the past at the Czech Republic circuit, winning in the 125cc Class (2003) and also in 250cc Class (2005), and with three podiums in his five outings there in MotoGP Class, he will be looking to claim his first win in the top tier at the Brno circuit.

After this weekend's race, the Repsol Honda Team will make use of a testing day at the Brno circuit, using the opportunity to further develop the 1000cc 2012 machine. Contracted riders Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner will test the bike in the one day test on Monday August 15.

Race winner Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda Team

Photo by: Bridgestone Corporation

CASEY STONER – World Championship Position: 1st with 193 points

"I've really enjoyed this summer break. After a great race in Laguna, we decided to stay in California and visit some friends and enjoy some down time, mixed in with some training. Now I feel relaxed and ready for the second half of the season. I'm looking forward to going to Brno, it's a circuit I've always enjoyed and I believe with the results we've had in the past years we can expect to have a good race there. I've seen that the Honda can be very competitive at all circuits this year so I'm sure we will also be strong in Brno. The fact that it's very fast and flowing has helped the Yamaha's in the past seasons and I think Jorge will be strong there, so I will be watching for him. We'll be working on overcoming some of the issues we've had in the fast corners at circuits this year and we will certainly be looking for the win, or at the very least some more important Championship points".

Andrea Dovizioso

Photo by: Repsol Media

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO – World Championship Position: 3rd with 143 points

“I spent the summer break with my family and friends at the seaside in Sardinia. Early in the morning I was training, then I could play with Sara, my little daughter. It was a new experience for me that I really enjoyed. It was a perfect time to relax and switch off and now I’m ready for the second part of the season. We arrive in Brno very motivated as we want to redeem the disappointing result of Laguna. Brno is a fast track, the curves have a long range so the speed in the mid corner is high. I’m confident that we can be competitive there, the Honda machine is working very well and the characteristics of the track suit my riding style too. It’s similar to Mugello and we look for a good result. Casey, Dani and Jorge will be strong rivals, but I’m confident that we will be able to fight with them. We are determined to return on the podium. This is our target".

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team

Photo by: Bridgestone Corporation

DANI PEDROSA – World Championship Position: 4th with 110 points

“These two and a half weeks have flown by for me, but I really enjoyed this break. The truth is that I needed it, first of all to rest after the last few races that were physically hard for me but also to disconnect a little and to train, to get back my physical strength and be fit again. My holidays have been a combination of all. When I got back from Laguna I spent some days doing nothing just to relax the whole area of the neck, arms and back. After this I've been combining physical training with relaxation exercises to avoid over stressing the area. Now I'm looking forward to competing again and enjoying the races until the end of the season. The bike is working very well this year so I hope we can get good results and win races in this second half of the Championship. Brno is a track I like, I've won there in 125 and 250, and I've had some podiums also in MotoGP so to fight for the victory is a challenge for me and I'm very motivated. I'm also looking forward to the test at Brno with the 1000cc. bike. I missed the first one in Jerez due to the injury and I'm excited to see to see how the new bike works".