You are here

MotoGP, Pedrosa will test the KTM before Christmas at Jerez

Stefan Pierer confirms an agreement with Honda, Dani will ride the RC16 at the Spanish track on 18-19 December

MotoGP: Pedrosa will test the KTM before Christmas at Jerez

Share


Dani Pedrosa will ride the MotoGP KTM earlier than expected, in just a couple of weeks' time in fact. The Spaniard, having announced his retirement from racing, has signed a two-year agreement with the Austrian manufacturer that will see him serve as test rider. Due to the contract that ties Dani to Honda until the end of the year, he was unable to take part in testing at Valencia and Jerez last month.

But in the last few days something has changed, and HRC has given its permission for the rider to test the RC16. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed this while talking to Speedweek: “we will be on track with Pedrosa before Christmas, we won't have to wait until the February test in Malaysia”.

Dani will ride the KTM at Jerez on 18-19 December. “We have come to an agreement with Honda. I'm curious as to how the test will go, we have a lot of new material to test” continues Pierer.

The Austrian MotoGP undoubtedly needs to take a step forward. The podium scored by Pol Espargarò (in the pouring rain) at the Valencia GP came as a morale boost, but the RC16 is clearly not at the same level as its rivals. Zarco was quick to say that more is needed, the performance of Oliveira and Syahrin another cause for reflection.

Pedrosa could be the deus ex machina with which to save the situation, his indications set to be very important when it comes to correcting any errors in the new project.

Translated by Heather Watson

Related articles