Pros and cons of KTM
Awaiting the Spanish Grand Prix, the first European event of this year, Dani Pedrosa has returned to focus on certain MotoGP topics, starting with those related to the team Red Bull KTM, where he still holds the role of test rider. The 40-year-old, television commentator for DAZN in Spain, was interviewed by AS to explain what, in his opinion, are the weaknesses and strengths of the RC16: “What we lack is the ability to do faster and more powerful laps – he declared – in slow corners the bike is quite good, but in fast ones it’s not as strong as other brands. And then, in qualifying, we need that something extra to have a bike capable of setting a track record, or taking pole position. That’s where we’re failing.”
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Marquez still at high levels?
Winner of the 125 world title in 2003 and in the two consecutive years in 250 (always with Honda), in addition to being a three-time MotoGP runner-up, Pedrosa also focused on his compatriot Marc Marquez. Will the latter be able to adapt and prevail over future generations? “Everything has its time – he continued – Rossi also did it in his time, but in the end, when you reach a certain age, efficiency on track starts to decline and the risks taken by younger riders are much higher than yours. Then, everything reaches a point where it’s no longer possible. I don’t know if this will happen now or in some time, but I believe that the most decisive factor in this sense for Marc will be his physical condition“.
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Definitive retirement
Regarding the present and future, KTM Tech3 will appear in Jerez with only Enea Bastianini, due to Maverick Viñales’ convalescence following surgery on his left shoulder and Pol Espargarò’s inability to replace the Spaniard due to a left hand injury. Pedrosa, however, was very clear about his desire for a possible return to the track: “Basically no, no. I feel good and I’m happy with the test rider work. I’ve done my wild cards and now Pol has priority to do it, because he also really wants to, and I believe my time has already passed. That’s why I understand that now is the time for the young riders.” In this way, the Spaniard definitively hung up his helmet after the 2018 season, his last as an official MotoGP rider, and two years after his last race as a wild card, which he competed in Jerez. In that case, moreover, he achieved an excellent 3rd place in the Sprint Race.
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