Stoner looks to bow out on a high in Valencia
The final rider's championship positions were decided in Australia, with Dani Pedrosa in second and Casey Stoner third, but the Grand Prix de la Comunitat Valenciana is more than just the final race for them both. Pedrosa will want to finish his best season in MotoGP to date (6 wins and 14 podiums) by adding another victory to his tremendous performances in the second half of the season. After dominating in Phillip Island two weeks ago, Stoner is almost back to 100% and will want to close his successful career by winning his final race.
The Repsol Honda riders have enjoyed good results at Valencia, with Pedrosa winning 5 times at this circuit including two premiership class victories in 2009 and 2007. For Stoner, this is the setting of his first every GP victory in 2003 in 125cc, he has also won on two occasions in MotoGP in 2011 and 2008.
The Repsol Honda Team secured the team championship title at the Malaysian Grand Prix and Honda will be hoping to win the constructor championship this weekend – Honda lead the standings with 387 points, with Yamaha in second position on 366.
Dani Pedrosa
"I'm very excited to get to Valencia and race again in front of the Spanish crowd. It's been a long time away and I really look forward to enjoying the atmosphere there; it's always a special race because it's the last one of the season and I have a lot of people there supporting me, together with my family and friends. I enjoy riding at this track and we've had good results there in the past. So, I want to make this weekend special and fight for the win and finish the season on a high."
Casey Stoner
"Valencia should be a little better for me again, not as good as Phillip Island, but I've always had great success there, many pole positions and race wins. I hope we can be competitive there and with the track going left it should suit our bike and me a little better at this point. It's not going to be easy but it would be nice to get another good result in my final race in MotoGP."
Press release courtesy of Repsol Honda Team.