[Acidreign]

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Honda's new 800cc MotoGP bike is more suited to Spaniard Dani Pedrosa's style than last year's machine but it has not been designed specially for him, according to his team manager Alberto Puig.

"I think that it is evident to anybody of normal intelligence that Pedrosa has a clear handicap in MotoGP because of his physical characteristics," Puig told the official MotoGP Web site (The Official MotoGP Website).

"He is a rider who weighs 52kg and is no taller than 1.60 metres. Last year he had a lot of difficulties riding such a big bike," the former racer and Repsol Honda boss added.

"The only thing that we asked for was a change in the tank and saddle to adapt to Dani better."

MotoGP has reduced engine capacity from 990cc this season and the new machines demand a riding style more akin to the smaller bikes that Pedrosa excelled on.

The former 125 and 250cc champion, whose American team mate Nicky Hayden won the MotoGP title last year, made his debut in the top category in 2006 with two wins and was fastest on the final day of last week's pre-season test in Qatar.

Puig denied that Pedrosa now had a clear advantage over other riders.

"The truth is that Dani, a small rider, now has less of a disadvantage than last year but he continues to be handicapped. This is the reality," he said.

"It is clear that he feels more at ease with this bike. It demands other things from the rider, like preparing better for the corner exit, for example. Dani is more comfortable with this style of riding and this is important."

The season starts in Qatar on March 10.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Rex Gowar, London Sports Desk; Reuters Messaging)

[madkaw]

I still think Hayden will outride him.

[giza]

Im putting my money on Pedrosa,im a Hayden fan 4 sure and want back to back titles ,but Pedrosa will shine this season he is fast and i think will tame the bike and be #1 a big call i know,but ??? lets see eh?(of course not forgeting the doctor)

[beefus1000]

Originally Posted by giza

Im putting my money on Pedrosa,im a Hayden fan 4 sure and want back to back titles ,but Pedrosa will shine this season he is fast and i think will tame the bike and be #1 a big call i know,but ??? lets see eh?(of course not forgeting the doctor)

It'll be Pedrosa vs Rossi this season..IMHO. I can't see Hayden improving on his two wins from '06 and the competition will be tougher, so just being in the points won't be enough. He has to win more. But, I think Capirex and Stoner may finish ahead of NH too.