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MotoGP, KTM: 2020 re-launch passes through Pedrosa's hands

The Spanish rider will be in action from Thursday to Saturday at Aragon, but first Aprilia's on the track with Smith. Meanwhile, the post-Zarco issue  still remains an enigma to be solved.

MotoGP: KTM: 2020 re-launch passes through Pedrosa's hands

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Without a doubt, this is one of the great disappointments of this season. We're obviously talking about the KTM, which dreams of playing a leading role in the MotoGP, but it has to continue being an extra instead. The Austrian team still has ambitions, but the results are far from those that were its expectations, except for sporadic appearances in the upper echelons of the class.

What's more, it had to come to terms with its separation from Johann Zarco in 2019. In fact, the French rider seemed to be the one who could have gotten the RC16 off the ground. Instead, the road immediately become a uphill climb, between the disappointment and discomfort that caused that farewell.

So there's a 2020 on the horizon that awaits the Austrians, where the watchword is undoubtedly redemption. The trellis tube was placed under a magnifying glass several times, will all the doubts and perplexities involved, as well as the low power of the engine.

At this point, there is no time to lose, and KTM is already looking at the upcoming season. This is why Dani Pedrosa will be busy on the RC16 from Thursday to Saturday, preparing for a three-day test on the Aragon track. This is the fifth appearance for the Spanish rider after those in Barcelona, Brno, Red Bull Ring, and Misano. It'll be an opportunity to try some new features and trace the path towards the next Championship.

That's because 2020 is just around the corner, waiting for the Austrian team, but there are still questions to be answered. At the moment, we don't know who will be taking Johann Zarco's place, and the same goes for the rider from Malaysia, Syahrin. The track leading to Gardner was explored, but the Australian sent the offer back to sender while, in the last few hours, Iker Lecuona's name emerged as the main candidate to team up with Pol Espargarò. The only certainty among the many rumors heard in the paddock is that time is pressing.

Meanwhile, on the Aragon track, activities will start today, since Bradley Smith and Aprilia will be busy until Wednesday, then leaving room for the Spanish rider.

Translated by Leila Myftija
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