Pedrosa celebrates new deal with fastest lap

Spain's Dani Pedrosa, chasing a third successive MotoGP victory, celebrated his new two-year Honda deal by setting the fastest time in practice for Sunday's Grand Prix of Aragon yesterday.

Pedrosa, 63 points behind compatriot Jorge Lorenzo in the championship standings, clocked 1min 50.506sec in the morning session before rain slowed down proceedings in the afternoon.

"This morning we started well and got into a rhythm quickly, which was important because it makes a big difference going from the one hour practice sessions we're familiar with to 45 minutes.

"It's necessary to stay out on track for longer runs and not spend too long in the garage, and this morning we did a good job to maximise our time."

Pedrosa penned a new two-year deal to keep him at Honda until 2012 and he believes the partnership can only go from strength to strength.

"I'm very happy to be continuing with Honda for another two years. It's been a long relationship and also a successful one, and I hope we can be even more successful over the next two years," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!