It's left to KTM to manage the post-Zarco period, while it is hardly certain that the Frenchman will not continue his adventure with the Austrian manufacturer until the end of 2020, as was initially planned. A place as an official driver arouses desire. At least in theory, because the Frenchman's experience also makes you think. Jack Miller, for example, will not risk it and will stay with Pramac Ducati. That being said, KTM does not want to float the idea that it is in the plaintiff's position. And it’s Pit Beirer who is responsible for putting things straight…
Pete Beirer is the sports director of a factory KTM Always moving. Since Austrian Grand Prix, the men of Mattighofen know that they have lost a pilot, in the person of a Johann zarco who requested an amicable divorce. We must now think about his succession. Perhaps already for the remaining races of this current season. Then for 2020. The year at the end of which all the big names in the category will see their current lease come to an end.
KTM has announced that its first choice is their new test pilot Dani Pedrosa. The latter retired precisely to no longer experience the pressure of a titular pilot. He does his job as a tester well. So who ? Pete Beirer wanted to make it known that, on this sensitive subject, KTM was anything but in dire straits… “ I would like to remind you that we already have three great riders under contract for 2020: Pol Espargaró, Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, who won the last Austrian Grand Prix in Moto2 for KTM. We therefore have three of the four available places occupied by exceptional drivers ».
« We must search for the fourth pilot quietly » assures the manager on Speedweek. “ It won't do any good if we suddenly put a lot of names on the list. We have a strong top team and we have a great test rider, Mika Kallio, who can do the rest of the year if we need a MotoGP rider. He remains in good shape, he will test next week in Finland at the KymiRing. We currently have a very good situation regarding our pilot workforce ».
And on the case Pedrosa ? " So far, we're extremely happy with the testing work Dani is doing for us, and how he fits into the team » said Pit Beirer. “ In just a few months, he did more than expected. We have already put on our bikes some of the parts that Dani developed during the tests in Brno and Spielberg in July. Dani already talks about “us” when referring to KTM ».
« We are already benefiting enormously from our noble tester. He is extremely important to us in the role he currently holds. Dani has a clear job as a test pilot with us ». Most Pete Beirer recognizes this, however: “ the separation with Johann takes place at a very bad time, because the top drivers are under contract for a period of two years until the end of 2020. Negotiations cannot therefore take place until next year. Now we have to start searching for a driver at a less than optimal time. But we have time until November”. Month which will be that of the last Grand Prix of this season, in Valencia.
