Repsol Honda geared up for first race weekend in Qatar

Article from http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/repsol+honda+preview+qatar

Casey Stoner, the fastest rider of the last Qatar pre-season test can boast the biggest numbers of victories at this track. The Australian has won the MotoGP race here three times in 2007, 2008 and 2009, plus the 250 once in 2005.
Dani Pedrosa, fast and consistent during the whole winter test, is ready to face the Qatar race - where he has enjoyed two podiums at MotoGP level in 2007 and 2008, and also in 250 in 2004. He is confident that he and his machine are in good shape to have a strong start to the season.
After good results in the pre-season, Andrea Dovizioso is looking forward to the first race of the Championship. Andrea has good memories of this track, finishing on the podium in all 3 classes. In 2010 he finished third after a very strong race and in 2008, on a Honda satellite bike, he finished fourth overtaking Valentino Rossi on the last lap of his debut MotoGP race.

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda

"I'm really looking forward to starting the season. We've been here for many days already and it's time to start racing. Our expectations for the race are high after the results of the winter test. I think we did a good job, the bike was competitive in Sepang and when we have changed circuits, it kept the same level, so I'm very happy about that. We start this season with a competitive bike. The RCV212V hasn't changed so much from the one we had for the second half of last season and I feel confident. Anyway, we need to be concentrate very hard because the race weekend will be very demanding with four days of testing. Our rivals will improve and we will see how the conditions are. I’m expecting very windy as it's been during testing. Both the bike and I are in a good shape and I hope we can take this occasion to start the season strongly. I am very sorry for what is going on in Japan. I have been with Honda since the beginning of my career and I have many Japanese friends. My thoughts are with them and I really hope the situation will get better soon for all of Japan".

Andrea Dovizioso, Repsol Honda

“Racing in Qatar is special because it’s the first round of the season and we race at night. I have good memories at this track, like my first race in MotoGP when I finished 4th or last year's podium. I look forward to start racing after a very positive winter preparation. Casey and Dani have raised the level, but compared to last year I feel more competitive. Here in Losail, the bike slides a lot and it’s important to find the specific setting for this track. The race will be long and physically demanding, but I am looking forward to starting the Championship. Concerning the decision taken yesterday to postpone the GP of Japan, I agree with it. The extent of the damage made by the earthquake and the tsunami, are so big that it was not thinkable to have a GP there in few weeks. The priority of the country in this moment is to take care of the people and recover from the situation. I feel very close to the Japanese people”.

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda

"In this difficult time with the events in Japan, it is hard to go racing and this tragedy is at the front of all our minds. That said, it's what we do, so we must concentrate to the best of our abilities to bring home a good result for Honda and all it's employees. After a strong winter testing period, I'm very happy with the set-up we have found on the bike and I go into this race weekend looking for a good result. When the flag drops, we will see the true pace of all our competitors and know where we stand and I can't wait. Usually, I feel comfortable here at the Losail circuit and I hope that this year - my first with the Repsol Honda Team, we can achieve a good result".