Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa has told AMCN that the tyre problems that forced him to retire from a wet and soggy Japanese Grand Prix at the Motegi circuit last weekend remain a mystery for the team
“We have some data that shows we had a problem with the tyre, and we can see the problem within the tyre itself after the race, but we are still confused why,” he said
“We don’t know exactly the reason why this is happening, and we are working with Michelin to find what the problem is because we are struggling in these conditions this year, where last year this was not an issue.”
Pedrosa said he didn’t think the problem was related to the track surface of the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, and if the conditions are wet for this weekend’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix the same issue could resurface.
“I hope not, but it was an issue at Assen and also at the Misano race,” he said.
Pedrosa’s small stature and light weight appear to be the root of the issue, with the Spaniard unable to weight up the rear tyre in wet conditions, resulting in excessive wheelspin which is causing damage to the tire.
Compounding the issue is the fact that Pedrosa is one of the few riders in the MotoGP paddock that does not rate the fast and flowing Phillip Island circuit as one of his favourites.
“It’s not my favourite track,” he said
“Honesly, It’s hard for me. It’s a track I struggle with because it’s windy and cold, tyres don’t get enough temperature, and with this wind and speed the tyres go down before I get to the turn, and I don’t have the feeling for such fast corners – but it’s what we have.”
Despite not rating the Victorian circuit high on his list of favourites, Phillip Island has been a happy hunting ground for Pedrosa in the past. He secured his 2004 and 2005, 250cc world titles at the Aussie circuit.
Pedrosa presently sits in fourth positon on the ladder, 33 points adrift of Maverick Vinales in third position. If he’s able to close the gap to the Yamaha rider and claim the third step on the series podium, it will be his seventh top-three MotoGP finish in 12 seasons. His worst season was 2016 where he finished in sixth place after missing three races following a crash at Motegi.
