By blue2bikes
March 21 2007

The European MotoGP season kicks off in dramatic style with this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where 250,000 fans are expected to make their annual pilgrimage to the electric atmosphere of Jeréz.

The second round of the MotoGP series sees its first visit to European shores in 2007. This weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix takes place at Jeréz, renowned for its pilgrimage of hardened bike fans - no less than 250,000 fans are expected. Local hero Dani Pedrosa, riding the all new 800cc Repsol Honda, will not be short of fans cheering him on for his first win of the 2007 season.

Honda’s Dani Pedrosa in 2006 © Raceline Photography

Former champion Valentino Rossi has already stated that, although Casey Stoner got the first win of the new season, he expects that Dani will more than likely be the thorn in his side this year. Casey dominated the proceedings in Qatar with the Ducati and, although he may well have the fastest bike out on track, he will not find it such an easy task at Jeréz.

You can be sure that Yamaha have improved its package, and hopefully Colin Edwards will be in contention this time around. The present champion Nicky Hayden (pictured top) will want to improve after his disastrous start to the season, as will Casey’s team-mate Loris Capirossi.

Suzuki’s John Hopkins, who rode whilst injured at Qatar, will almost certainly be much improved this time around, especially after his fourth placing and obviously in pain. Valentino, having won four out of six races at the Spanish Grand Prix, will be wanting to show he has lost nothing, and will be out to prove he is the man to beat this year.