HONDA boss Shuhei Nakamoto believes that 2013 is Dani Pedrosa's last chance to win the MotoGP title.
Nakamoto said: 'I think if he doesn't take the title this year, he probably never will, but if he does then it's quite possible he'll go on to be champion several times'
However, Nakamoto is confident that, based on his 2012 form, Pedrosa will win this year's championship.
'He's beaten his big rival one on one, ridden through the rain to win at Malaysia, managed to keep his speed high even in wet conditions, which were previously his weak point. There's no question about it - Dani has progressed to another level and is now a very strong competitor.
'I'm so confident that he will take the title next year, I can't really imagine not seeing him on that podium.'
He is also confident that Honda's new bike will aid Pedrosa in his cause:
'Our new machine has much improved braking and cornering, and getting his hands on such a good bike seems to have filled Dani with fresh confidence.'
In light of Nakamoto's comments, 2013 promises to be a make-or-break season for the 27 year-old Catalan - Pedrosa will face stiff competition, particularly from reigning champion Jorge Lorenzo and his new Yamaha team mate Valentino Rossi, who will be looking to rediscover his mojo after two fallow seasons at Ducati.
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