Pedrosa aims for strong home race

The Spaniard, who currently lies second in the MotoGP World Championship 47 points behind compatriot and title rival Jorge Lorenzo, qualified a distant seventh for the Dutch TT following a catalogue of issues. But Pedrosa then bounced back with a strong race performance to finish on the podium for the second time in three races.

Now, looking ahead to the second of four 'home' grands prix this season, the 24-year-old is in a positive frame of mind.

"I arrive at Catalunya GP in a very good mood," said Pedrosa. "The last race in Assen was an excellent example of how we will never give up.

"The practice sessions were very difficult but our team never became downhearted and we were working until the final moments to get a good result. I'm happy with the race because I was able to maintain a high pace from the first lap to the last and I hope we can do that again in Catalunya."

Pedrosa added that his focus remains fixed on improving his consistency after an on-and-off season that has so far included a dominant victory at Mugello followed by a distant eighth at Silverstone.

"So far this season we have alternated between bad and good results at each race, but hopefully we can reach a high level again in Barcelona - everybody in my team is ready to go for it.

"It's a circuit I always love to ride at because it's very much my home race. My family and friends are there and, together with my fans, I feel more than anywhere else that I'm surrounded by supporters. I really want them to enjoy the weekend.

"Last year this race was very tough because I was injured and in pain, and I had to race with a pain-killing injection," he said. "This time we go to the Catalunya GP in good shape. We know that we will need to work very hard to set up the bike because at this circuit it is always difficult to find a good machine setting, and the one we used in Assen will probably not be right for this circuit.

"But I hope to get the bike sorted by Saturday, do a good qualifying practice and be prepared to fight at the maximum level in the race.

"So far when we've been at the front it's been our hard work that has got us there, so we must continue pushing like this in Barcelona this weekend."