In theory the Spaniard should be chasing his 13th MotoGP victory at his home round where he triumphed in 2008. However his stint at the front of the season-opener last Sunday evening was short-lived and now the former 125 and 250 champion is at a loss to forecast his capabilities.
‘I’m disappointed, not for the race I had, but for the physical problems I had again with my left arm,’ he said. ‘Already in practice I felt something and in the end I couldn’t grab the handlebar and in the last seven-eight laps I couldn’t use the clutch at all; one of the toughest races of my life. I don’t know what can I do because I should be OK after the rest I had this winter. I did the tests and everything was in order.’
‘I feel sad because I don’t know what the future will bring,’ he added. ‘I know we will go to Jerez in two weeks, where the bike will run very well, and I’m very strong and fast, but I don’t know what will happen.’
Pedrosa only needs to take a peek at the stern faces in the Ducati garage to realize just how much of a burden a weak shoulder can be. His preoccupation now must be finding stamina in the limb and if any kind of operation is needed then the best chance will be after the Grand Prix of France (round four) on May 15th when he will have almost three weeks to recover before a second home event at Catalunya. (photo courtesy of Honda Pro Images)
