Dani Pedrosa looked set to complete an memorable American double by winning at both Laguna Seca and Indianapolis last season - only to crash from the lead early in the Indy race (pictured), after dominating practice and qualifying.
The Repsol Honda rider, who had been on pole by over half a second, rejoined in last and finished tenth in a race won by Jorge Lorenzo, after title leader Valentino Rossi also crashed.
Pedrosa returns to Indy this weekend without the possibility of winning both 2010 US rounds, having crashed out of the lead at Laguna Seca in July, but victory this weekend would be his third of the season - a new high for the Spaniard, who has taken two wins a year since his 2006 MotoGP debut.
“I'm going to Indianapolis in a very good mood and I'm feeling ready to finish the job we weren't able to complete in the race there last time," said Pedrosa. "I felt really comfortable riding in Indy last year. I was on top of the timesheets from the first practice, I took pole position and the only mistake I made was in the race. So I hope this time we can put together a strong weekend and take another good result."
Pedrosa arrives at round eleven second in the world championship, but 77 points behind Lorenzo, whom Pedrosa finished second to last time out at Brno.
"We were fast and consistent at the last race in Brno and we'll be aiming to get straight back on that pace again this weekend. It will be important, as always, to establish a good machine setting quickly on Friday, and I think we have a useful base from last year that will help us to find the right direction straight away.
"We were ready to win again in Brno and this will be our goal in Indianapolis too.
"Riding in America is different, the Indianapolis circuit is very impressive and I feel very good racing in the States because the support I get from the fans is always very positive. So I'm really looking forward to get out there," he said.
Pedrosa is close to agreeing a new contract with Repsol Honda for 2011, where he would join the already signed Casey Stoner.
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