Wednesday, 12th March 2008

But what do you think they were saying...?




Honda's preparations for the 2008 MotoGPseason haven't exactly gone to plan - with its pneumatic-valve engine withdrawn for further development and the last minute return of the 2007 machine for evaluation at the Qatar season opener - so few could blame these HRC team members for casting an admiring eye over the DucatiDesmosedici during last weekend's Losail event.

Nicky Haydenwas the top factory Hondarider in qualifying, placing his '07 RC212V sixth on the grid, but it was team-mate Dani Pedrosa that played a starring role in the inaugural night race - storming from eighth on the grid to lead the early laps before collecting an unexpected podium finish with the '08 racer.

Nevertheless, Casey Stoner and Ducati were once again untouchable, winning the race by over five seconds from Yamaha's rookie Jorge Lorenzo. Pedrosa finished 10 seconds behind Stoner after 22 laps.


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