INDIANAPOLIS -
Even in the starter's picture, Dani Pedrosa had to feel a little closed in.
To the right of the rider is Jorge Lorenzo, who currently sits second in the Moto GP points standings. To his left is current leader and defending series champion Valentino Rossi.
Pedrosa's record 1:39:730 time around the course may have made him the top starter, but more comfort isn't likely.
Read: Weather Or Not: Moto GP Returns To Indy After Rainy 2008
"Think it's great to be in front," acknowledged Pedrosa after his run. "I think in practice already it's difficult to beat the Yamahas, so I think for us the practice went well and that's all."
Well might be stating it lightly, as Pedrosa's Honda Repsol machine became the first in track history to break the 1 minute and 40 second lap time, reaching as high as 198 miles per hour.
"Think still we have to work because, of course, for tomorrow's race we have to look for something else," said Pedrosa. "I think the other riders sure will keep them working and try to improve tomorrow."
Read: Fiat Yamaha Will Remain the Same in 2009
2008 Indianapolis GP winner Rossi will be the first to try after qualifying what he considers a disappointing third place Saturday.
"We are a little bit in trouble because I'm not able to ride like I want," said Rossi of his runs on Saturday. "I'm not strong enough in the pace, and also in the lap with the soft tires."
In a better position might be his teammate Lorenzo, who got around in 1:40.236, which was an improvement over similar runs earlier in the day.
Read: Nicky Hayden Chats With IndySportsNation.com's Wes Woodward
"We very far to the first position in the morning, but now we are a little bit more close. So we hope to improve a bit for tomorrow, especially in corners we have some difficulty."
"I think in three parts of the track we struggle a little bit, but our pace for the race is good, and our confidence is very high."
To the right of the rider is Jorge Lorenzo, who currently sits second in the Moto GP points standings. To his left is current leader and defending series champion Valentino Rossi.
Pedrosa's record 1:39:730 time around the course may have made him the top starter, but more comfort isn't likely.
Read: Weather Or Not: Moto GP Returns To Indy After Rainy 2008
"Think it's great to be in front," acknowledged Pedrosa after his run. "I think in practice already it's difficult to beat the Yamahas, so I think for us the practice went well and that's all."
Well might be stating it lightly, as Pedrosa's Honda Repsol machine became the first in track history to break the 1 minute and 40 second lap time, reaching as high as 198 miles per hour.
"Think still we have to work because, of course, for tomorrow's race we have to look for something else," said Pedrosa. "I think the other riders sure will keep them working and try to improve tomorrow."
Read: Fiat Yamaha Will Remain the Same in 2009
2008 Indianapolis GP winner Rossi will be the first to try after qualifying what he considers a disappointing third place Saturday.
"We are a little bit in trouble because I'm not able to ride like I want," said Rossi of his runs on Saturday. "I'm not strong enough in the pace, and also in the lap with the soft tires."
In a better position might be his teammate Lorenzo, who got around in 1:40.236, which was an improvement over similar runs earlier in the day.
Read: Nicky Hayden Chats With IndySportsNation.com's Wes Woodward
"We very far to the first position in the morning, but now we are a little bit more close. So we hope to improve a bit for tomorrow, especially in corners we have some difficulty."
"I think in three parts of the track we struggle a little bit, but our pace for the race is good, and our confidence is very high."
