Dani Pedrosa will not be racing this weekend at the Catalunya GP. The Repsol Honda rider re-injured his collarbone at the previous MotoGP round at Le Mans and was forced to have surgery. Pedrosa will not be fit enough to ride this weekend and has decided to take his hat out of the ring for the Catalunya GP.
In a highly publicised and equally controversial incident involving Marco Simoncelli, Pedrosa fractured his right collarbone. Pedrosa had just underwent surgery a few months before on his collarbone, and is rightfully deciding to play it cautious this time around.
"After France, I had surgery to stabilise the fracture of my right collarbone and hoped to be ready for Barcelona,” Pedrosa said. “I pushed myself as best as I could but I feel that my collarbone is not ready. I think I must rest for a while to recover properly. Since early this year I've had many problems and operations and I really believe I must stop now and let this heal properly.“
Pedrosa was angry after the event, saying that it was “unfair” that he had to undergo surgery while Marco Simoncelli only suffered a ride-through penalty. Simoncelli could face a stiffer penalty, however, as the MotoGP Race Direction announced that they will summon Simoncelli before the Catalunya GP.
Missing the Catalunya GP could be devastating for Pedrosa’s title hopes. The Repsol Honda rider was a prime contender for the 2011 MotoGP title, but after Le Mans he dropped down to third place behind his teammate Casey Stoner and 2010 Champion Jorge Lorenzo. With no points coming from the Catalunya GP, Pedrosa could fall down to fifth behind Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi.
“It is a big shame what happened,” Pedrosa said. “Despite all the problems I had earlier in the season, I felt very strong and I was aware that I could beat my opponents. I want to say thank you to you all for your support and hope to be back in full shape as soon as possible to continue giving my best.”
