Pedrosa feeling fit for Shanghai

The Spaniard was involved in the first lap accident that was triggered by Olivier Jacque, and he was in a lot of discomfort immediately after the crash.

"I am feeling a little better," Pedrosa said. "It was a big crash, but I have nothing broken so I am okay. These things happen."

The 21-year-old scored his first MotoGP victory with a dominant display at the Shanghai circuit last year, but this year he is expecting a tougher challenge as Honda try to get more top speed from their 800cc bike.

"I have great memories of last year, but things are different this year," he said. "It will be difficult like always."

The Ducatis are expected to be the pace setters this weekend thanks to their straight line speed advantage over their rivals, as Shanghai features the longest straight on the MotoGP calendar.

However, Pedrosa believes that the Honda should be strong over the rest of the lap, and he is expecting to be near the front.

"We have to try to do our best but we know we have a disadvantage on the straight. We must try to get as close as possible to Ducati, and I think we can do it."