MADRID, Nov 9 (Reuters) – World 250cc champion Daniel Pedrosa is keen to test himself against five-times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi when he steps up to join the premier category next season.

"I am interested to know what I am capable of, and to see how I compare against Valentino Rossi," Pedrosa told sports daily Marca on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Spaniard, who has won three consecutive titles in the 250cc and 125cc classes, started testing with Honda at the new level in Valencia on Wednesday.

"I’m still young and perhaps it is a little early to step up to MotoGP, but that’s the situation," he added.

"I hope everyone will be patient with me. I am not worried and intend to take things slowly and calmly to do the best possible preparation." Rossi, who had already claimed his fifth title in Malaysia, finished third in the last Grand Prix of the season in Valencia on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Italian just missed out on equalling Mick Doohan’s record of 12 race wins in a season. Pedrosa claimed his eighth win of the year in Valencia.

by Reuters