Pedrosa eager to get back on track

The works Honda driver injured his shoulder in an accident in practice at the Japanese Grand Prix last year and spent the latter part of the season struggling as he tried to recover.

Pedrosa will get back to work this week at Sepang, where MotoGP will be testing from tomorrow.

"The winter break has been long, as always, but in my case also good because I had time to rest and do a proper rehabilitation for my shoulder," Pedrosa said during the official presentation of the Honda team in Malaysia.

"I feel stronger now and arrive here in Sepang much better but I'm also looking forward to see what is my level on the bike. It will be like a personal test for me and I'm excited to see the results."

Pedrosa is also looking forward to seeing the progress of the improved bike as the team builds on the base it had last year, focusing on the bike's stability.

"The test program is to continue developing the good base we had last year. In particular we need to find something extra on the chassis and the engine to improve the stability of the bike entering the corner and the traction at the exit."

After finishing in second place in last year's championship, Pedrosa admitted he is aiming for the title this season.

"My target is to fight for the title. If I could change something I would say my real wish is to avoid further injury. It's very difficult, but this would be my first desire, to be on all the starting grids this season because my absence results in valuable points lost," Pedrosa said.