We sat down to talk with Dani in Italy, one day before the young Repsol Honda Team rider confronted Valentino Rossi on his home-track, in his country, in front of 86,000 tifossi. This time we proposed Dani not to talk about motorbikes at all…
AUDIOAre you able to rest and to switch off when you’re not at the racetrack, or are motorbikes always in your mind during the season? It depends on the race. When there’s any trouble I’m constantly thinking about what to do to improve. I’m more relaxed when everything works well.You spend more time travelling than at home during the season. Do you feel like travelling somewhere with your family or friends in your short holidays after so much travelling? Sure. I usually try to arrange it in order not to miss any tests and to do it during our spare time in order to be able to enjoy it, knowing that I can spend five or six days with the telephone completely off and without having to work-out.Between races you sometimes have the chances to visit different parts of planet and cities like Sydney, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo… Is there any one you would like to stay?I don’t know what to say. Spain is alright and you can have a wonderful quality of life. There are other countries such as Italy or France which are also very nice and in which I would also like to live.What impressed you most of everything you’ve seen during your trips? It’s hard to give a quick answer on that. There’ve been a few moments. Obviously during our trips to South Africa or Brazil; there have been some instants and I’ve seen a few things that impressed me there. If I’d planned to spend a few days in London, where would you recommend me to go?The activity after dinner is very nice over there. You may visit Camden, which is quite a nice place. You may also make a boat trip on the river, which is nice as well and interesting.When you see someone your age on the streets, what comes up to your mind? I feel very lucky to be able to enjoy everything I like, both in my job and in everyday life. Moreover, I’m able to live with a good quality of life. Others have to work a lot, or like the guys I see on the street, to learn a lot and then to try to find a job. I enjoy while I work and that’s a very big privilege.You said that you like reading biographies. Have you read Rossi’s? No.We know that one of your big hobbies is bicycle riding. Do you go for a ride with Alberto Puig some times? Do you race against each other or is age unforgiving and do you have to take pity on him? No…well… (smile). We don’t go very often along the year. Maybe three or four times at the most. We don’t usually make races because Alberto has still a lot of pain in his leg and it’s not easy for him.Did you watch him race when he was a professional rider? Yes.Can you define him as a rider in two words? Resolute and clear.And as a person?I think he is a very interesting person… It’s difficult to describe. If you know him well, he’s very deep.How would you define Dani Pedrosa as a rider? Resolute and a serious worker.And as a person? I don’t know, I would have to ask my friends (laughs). Shy, for sure, and … I don’t know! Thankful…Do you prefer Star Wars or the Lord of the Rings? Star Wars.Let’s imagine a situation. A whole day shut-in at home, with your best friends, watching the complete Star Wars saga. An important detail: catering included. An attractive plan or a torture for Dani Pedrosa? Half and half. These films are not so deep depending on the people you are watching them with. If you rally want to catch the meaning of the film you have to watch them alone.Do you usually go to the movies?I do.Have you ever fallen asleep in a cinema? No, but I’ve left earlier some times.If you had the chance, with whom would you like to spend an afternoon talking? I’ve had the chance to do it already with many people I liked, and I was looking forward to doing it. For example Lance Armstrong, Mick Doohan or Wayne Rainey. It’s hard to say, I still have my idols, but I’m happy for the moment.And with someone who is not alive anymore? Ayrton Senna.One last question… when you’re in the paddock you are very focussed on your job, but they say that you’re more open and much more relaxed when you’re with your people… is it true? Are there two different versions of Dani Pedrosa? Yeah, well, it’s not that there are two different versions. It’s just that I consider races to be very important and I don’t want to miss this chance as I see others doing. It’s a big chance, a privilege, to be able to do what I’m doing so I don’t want to miss it, that’s why I’m taking it so serious.
