Honda's Dani Pedrosa has had seven podiums in the last ten races, and a win in the bag from Jerez.

That’s good reading for the number 26 as the paddock touches down in Misano, where he took an unassailable victory in 2016 – becoming the eighth different winner of the season from eighth on the grid.

He’ll be wanting to do it again this year, and the stakes are even higher as he sits 35 points off the Championship lead held by Andrea Dovizioso.

Not so far at all – and to add to his heroics last season, he’s also had pole at Misano twice and took victory in 2010. The Repsol Honda Team also had a positive test at the venue ahead of the British GP - so the forecast looks bright for the 'Baby Samurai'.

Marc Marquez equals Jorge Lorenzo as a rider with four victories at Misano, but the number 93 has only one in the premier class, taken in a flag-to-flag spectacular in 2015.

A win in the 125cc World Championship and two in Moto2 make for a good springboard, but the rider from Cervera will be ready to fight for his first dry weather win at the circuit in the premier class.

Being forced to retire from the British GP after a mechanical problem meant Marquez fell to second in the standings behind Misano home hero Andrea Dovizioso, and with the rider from Forli on a roll, the reigning Champion wants to stem the tide on the Adriatic.

In an ever-changing 2017, it could be far from plain sailing – but with some good consistency of late and a positive test at the venue before the British GP, Marquez will "be there" - his goal for each race.

"We’ll try and have a great weekend in Misano, putting the last race behind us." Said the Spanird

"The important thing is that lately we’ve been competitive at all kinds of tracks, so now we go to Misano, which has a twisty, tight layout, with the same approach and mentality that have worked very well for us so far."

"We’ll look to be as strong as possible, not with victory as the only target but ready to fight for it if we have the opportunity to do so." He added

"We’ll work to get the best result possible. We had a positive test there in August, so we’ll go there ready to start well beginning on Friday morning."

source: motogp.com

Yamaha Tech 3's Johann Zarco now leads the rookie standings by a considerable margin after Silverstone, as closest challenger Jonas Folger – his teammate – was forced to sit the race out following a crash in Warm Up.

Zarco also retains a healthy advantage over LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow – 20 points – in the fight to be top Independent Team rider in 2017.

"Now it’s back on track at the very different venue of Misano, where the Frenchman has been on pole in Moto2 for the last two years and taken one win, in 2015.

Like with most racetracks, Zarco counts on a solid record – and will be even more optimistic as he gets ready to ride his Yamaha on the Adriatic, where the Japanese manufacturer are the most successful since racing returned there in 2007.

"I am excited to visit Misano because it’s an interesting circuit and after visiting Austria and Silverstone, it will be a small track for the MotoGP bikes." Said Zarco

"It is going to be very important to work effectively with the team in order to set the bike up and feel comfortable so that we can have a positive race on Sunday."

"For sure the GP weekend will not be easy, but I hope to be consistent from the beginning to the end. The circuit is one that I like and I have good memories from my days in Moto2 and the 125cc class."

"In addition, the weather can be quite hot and the venue is right next to the Adriatic Sea. So overall, I aim to have a rewarding time and finish inside the top five to get a lot of points for the championship."

source: motogp.com