"I don't go to a circuit to waste my time."

From the quickest rookie of 2006 to title challenger in 2007? In part two of our interview, Dani Pedrosa talks about inept critics, his experience with the new 800cc bikes – and the private Dani who nobody knows.

Some of your critics say you are "too small and too light" to be a MotoGP rider. To what extent is the move to 800cc engines suited to you and your riding style?

The truth is that my critics have always found some reason or other to justify the results they didn’t expect. In 125cc and 250cc it was the weight, but last year no one thought it was important that the bike was too big for me. This year they say it is custom-made for me. I have never wanted to use my physique as an excuse and I will not do it now. I am small and this is something I can’t change. It is much more intelligent to try and adapt myself to the circumstances and do my best.

You've already been training a lot with the new bike since the end of last season. In layman's terms, how would you describe the difference between the old and the new bikes, and what kind of adjustments do you have to make as a rider?

The engine capacity has been reduced from 990cc to 800cc but it is still a MotoGP bike. It looks much smaller because the tail has been cut quite a lot, but it is only 4 kg lighter. The main difference is that the fuel tank is narrower and so it allows me to be more at ease on the bike. The handling is more agile.

Out on the track you give the impression of being aggressive and not afraid to take risks, while off the track you come across as serious and introverted - so what kind of person is the private Dani Pedrosa?

I am a normal guy, I have fun with my friends and I have the usual hobbies, such as the movies or the Internet. When I’m working I like to be focused, I don’t go to a circuit to waste my time, that’s all.

Is there anything not connected with motorbikes that gives you almost as much pleasure as a MotoGP victory?