Dani Pedrosa extends contract to lead KTM RC16 research and development

Posted : 02 September 2023

MotoGP™ Legend and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test rider, Dani Pedrosa, is set to prolong his pivotal role in the KTM testing program through an extension of his existing contract. At 37 years old, Pedrosa will remain at the forefront of research and development efforts and contribute innovative ideas for the KTM RC16 Grand Prix-winning motorcycle, a commitment that dates back to his initial joining of the factory team in 2019.

Pedrosa, along with fellow talents such as Mika Kallio and, more recently, Jonas Folger, has been instrumental in providing crucial feedback that has driven KTM's progress in the highly competitive realm of MotoGP™. Following his recovery from collarbone surgery in 2019, the Spanish rider embarked on the second phase of his career and played a significant role in propelling the race bike into a leading contender in Grand Prix racing. This progression culminated in Brad Binder securing KTM's maiden MotoGP™ victory in 2020.

Having enjoyed a lengthy and illustrious career with 31 MotoGP™ victories and 112 podium finishes, Pedrosa showcased his enduring skill and capabilities by delivering a strong 7th-place performance in only his second wildcard appearance at Jerez earlier this year. Pedrosa is now poised for his third Grand Prix start with the KTM RC16 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli during the upcoming Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini on September 8-10.

Dani Pedrosa expressed his satisfaction with the contract extension, stating, “Very happy and very grateful to continue with KTM because the last few years have been very productive. We’ve made gradual progress but always positive, and the riders have come closer and closer to the front and have taken some good results. We’ll try to continue this path with the bike because it seems to be even more essential now in MotoGP. I’m really happy to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to Misano, even if Jerez was really special for me with all the fans!”

Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager, emphasized Pedrosa's enduring capabilities and the importance of his expertise in the MotoGP™ project: “Dani’s MotoGP experience is immense, and he showed us in Jerez that he is still capable of setting P1 lap-times! That ability and his standards and his unique feeling for a Grand Prix machine is what makes him so important and an inspiration to us and the riders. We are keeping many parts of our MotoGP project consistent and stable, so this commitment with Dani is very positive. We are looking forward to Misano!”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, recognized Pedrosa's invaluable contributions to the team's success, saying, “The feedback and all the laps Dani have given us with the test team has helped make our RC16 what it is today: a bike that is one of the fastest on the track and one of the best to have in a fight. He knows our program, our technicians, and our philosophy very well after five years together, and the work is just as important as ever. We’re delighted to keep him in the structure and for Dani to continue helping us achieve our MotoGP goals.”

Dani Pedrosa extends contract to lead KTM RC16 research and development

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