Zoom Dani Pedrosa

Repsol Honda Team riders Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden will tackle the inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix using pneumatic-valve RC212V machines.

This is the first time that both riders will race with Honda's pneumatic-valve engine. Until now Pedrosa has raced a conventional spring-valve engine, while Hayden first raced the pneumatic-valve engine at June's British Grand Prix.

Pedrosa opted to use the new machine following an impressive post-San Marino GP test session during which he enjoyed the pneumatic-valve engine's superior performance.

“Indianapolis will be a very important weekend for us, but it's hard to say much about the track because we know so little about it. My first test with Bridgestone went well. After leaving Misano we have worked with the data in order to make the best possible start at Indy”, said the Spaniard. “We only have four hours of practice on a completely new circuit, with new tyres and a new machine, so we will have to work very hard to make sure we get the best out of the package on race day. I have heard that the track isn't very grippy and it seems like there are quite a few tight and slow corners, so handling of the machine will be important. Anyway, we will do our best as always. And it will be good to ride in front of the American fans after I had to pull out of the Laguna GP due to the injuries I got in Germany.”

Indy will be Hayden's first race since July's United States GP at Laguna Seca. The American star suffered a broken right heel in early August which forced him to miss the Czech and San Marino GPs. He practiced at San Marino but withdrew from the race because riding was aggravating the injury and he wanted to be strong for Indy and the final four races of 2008.

“Indy's going to be a big challenge for everyone, but I quite enjoy going to new circuits. We will use the data the test teams got when they tested there in July to help line up the transmission and so on”, explained the Kentucky rider. “The track layout doesn't look so spectacular, because it's inside an oval so there's not a lot of room for them to work with, and it's quite flat. But Indy has a long history and a big tradition and they know how to promote a race. I think they're going to smash it – put on an awesome event. For me it's crazy to be racing a GP three hours from my house! I just wish I was going into it healthy. It's not been long since Misano, though going left should be better for my right foot. It's a good time to go home and get some support from the fans. We'll give it all we've got and try to get a good result for them.”