Jorge Lorenzo clinched the 2010 MotoGP championship last weekend, but that doesn't mean that the action is over. Dani Pedrosa is returning to the MotoGP circuit after fracturing his collar bone, and he'll have to defend his second place position from Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner.
“I’m looking forward to getting to Australia and finding out how I feel on the bike. I know it will be tough because Phillip Island is a very demanding track... but I really believe it’s time to come back with my team and try to return to the high level of performance we had before the crash in Japan... The championship is decided, but for us it’s still not over.”
Rossi has been struggling through injuries this season, but the Italian was finally back in form in Malaysia, capturing his first race win since the opening round in Qatar.
“I really want to try to finish the season strongly and I'm excited about getting to Phillip Island, which is one of the most fantastic places in the world to ride a motorcycle,” said Rossi. “I haven't won there for a few years and I would really like to change that. It's always special to go there because a lot of my team is Australian and the fans are great. I can't wait!"
Rossi's victory in Sepang put him ahead of Casey Stoner by one point. That could easily change this weekend as the Ducati man has found himself getting used to podium finishes.
Pedrosa's teammate, Andrea Doviziozo, is also fighting for the second or third position in the MotoGP championship. Dovizioso is only one point behind Stoner, and two points behind Rossi.
The race for the championship may be over, but the battle for second has just begun.
