KTM Signs Test Rider Dani Pedrosa for a Seventh Season
Former 250cc champion Dani Pedrosa will remain in Orange next season after agreeing a new deal to lead KTM’s MotoGP test team for a seventh consecutive season
KTM arguably has the best test team on the planet and that is largely down to the continued performance of Dani Pedrosa, who for many, is the greatest MotoGP rider to never win a premier class title.
The ex-250cc champion has been a key figure in helping KTM drive themselves towards the front of the grid, and although Ducati remains one step ahead, KTM’s rise to being in contention with the likes of Ducati, which has much more MotoGP experience, has been noteworthy.
Pedrosa has taken part in four wildcard races since becoming a test rider for KTM, enjoying great success as he finished fourth in both Misano races last year, before stepping foot on the podium at Jerez earlier this year in the sprint race. Pedrosa was elevated to the podium following a post-race penalty for Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo.
In 2024 Pedrosa was joined by another Spanish rider with long-term ties to the brand, Pol Espargaro. It’s unclear whether Espargaro will remain with KTM in 2025 but Pedrosa will again lead the development of the RC16 MotoGP project.
“It’s a pleasure to take our journey into another year,” said Pedrosa. “We know where we need to make improvements, and the effort of the whole factory has not eased at all in making the best bike for the riders to perform on track. I’m looking forward to what we can do for 2025 and the ideas that will come along.”
KTM has not won a race in 2024 whether that be a sprint of Grand Prix, which is certainly not what the hopes were heading into this season. That said, no one has really had a look-in as Ducati has been more dominant than ever.
On the subject of retaining Pedrosa for another campaign, KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer added: “This was a straightforward decision for both parties and that’s a good sign of a strong relationship and trust. We really believe in what Dani brings to our MotoGP program on different levels, not only in the saddle of the next generation of the KTM RC16, and this contribution is vital.
“We know the turnaround we are seeking will come and with Dani as part of the team it will only arrive quicker.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
