First win pleases Pedrosa after difficult season
Dani Pedrosa pipped home favourite Valentino Rossi to victory at the San Marino Grand Prix - and he dedicated the win to his fans.
After a problematic start to the 2016 MotoGP season, Dani Pedrosa was pleased to have secured his first victory at the San Marino Grand Prix.
Repsol Honda rider Pedrosa finished the 2015 campaign in impressive style, securing four podiums – two of which came on the top step – in the final five races.
Mechanical issues have troubled the Spaniard since the Dutch TT in June, while team-mate Marc Marquez has opened up a commanding lead at the top of the riders' standings.
Having secured his first win following five successive finishes outside the three, Pedrosa was delighted with a strong weekend.
He said: "I'm very happy. Personally because it's been very difficult as everybody knows.
"In the weekend the feeling was good, and then I just tried to do my race. My pace was very consistent. I had some strong points on track and used them.
"This victory is for my fans, my team and everyone who is around me supporting and helping."
Defending champion Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha) finished third behind team-mate and home favourite Valentino Rossi.
While he was frustrated with his own display, he offered praise to Pedrosa for the victory.
"I cannot be happy, I expected to fight for the win. But sometimes you can't do it and you have to wait for next time," said Lorenzo.
"Anyway, very happy with the victory of Dani, he passed a very bad period and he deserved this victory because he fought so much."