Dani Pedrosa is one of the most respected drivers in the paddock, also one of the most gentlemen on the track, which, in a world of brutes, has not necessarily always served him well. Triple World Champion in the intermediate categories, he never made it to the elite level where he was still world vice-champion three times. But his teammates were crowned while injuries never spared him. After 18 years with Honda, including 13 in MotoGP, he will have to look elsewhere. Or resolve to stay at home.
Of these options, one of them will emerge from a press conference he called at the Sachenring, next weekend, on the occasion of a German Grand Prix at the end of which the summer break will be declared. Dani Pedrosa is at the crossroads of three paths: one leads to retirement at 33, the other puts him on an unprecedented Yamaha Petronas and the last invites him to be a development rider for KTM.
Dani Pedrosa competed in his first 125cc Grand Prix in 2001. A year later, the Spaniard scored his first successes and finished third overall. The consecration arrived in 2003. The latter won the title and did it again the following season for his debut in 250cc. Dani Pedrosa manages to maintain his rank of n°1 for one more year in the intermediate category, before being recruited by Repsol Honda.
His first triumph in MotoGP, the Catalan signs it in Shanghai after only four races. A second will follow in Great Britain. Dani Pedrosa ends this 2006 campaign in fifth place. Despite the numerous injuries that have tarnished his career, the Iberian driver will regularly play at the forefront. Loyal to the Japanese manufacturer, he has had at least one success per year since 2002. And 2012 remains his best season to date since he won seven events there.
In 2014, Dani Pedrosa was forced to undergo surgery for compartment syndrome, an injury which still made him suffer the following year but the native of Sabadell got back on track with two victories. In 2016, Dani Pedrosa shines in Misano but misses the overseas tour due to a broken collarbone. The latter nevertheless managed to relaunch himself during the 2017 campaign with two successes and seven other podiums, which allowed him to finish fourth overall.
The Spaniard suffered the law of his teammates in 2006 with Nicky Hayden, then in 2011 with Casey Stoner, without mentioning the current phenomenon Marc Marquez. So many names who have achieved success with HRC in the championship. But not him. A void that may have to be resolved once and for all. Head to the Sachsenring to find out.
