Pedrosa pondering KTM test offer

Just when he thought questions regarding his future plans were over, Dani Pedrosa was quizzed on 2019 once again with the news that KTM has offered him a role in its MotoGP test team for next year.

After receiving notification in mid-May that he would not continue with Repsol Honda beyond this season, it is believed KTM identified the 32-year old as a key figure to aid its nascent premier class operation in a testing role.

Several sources confirmed to Crash.net that Pedrosa is in the Austrian factory’s sights.

On Saturday, the three-time world champion and 54-time grand prix race winner stated he was in no hurry to decide his future plans. “There is no rush for this,” he said.

“Not much thinking on the future,” Pedrosa said on Saturday after qualifying a disappointing tenth at Brno for the Czech Grand Prix. “Already there was the decision, the announcement [regarding his retirement that he confirmed at the Sachsenring] and all this so I will take my time.”

Despite announcing his retirement three weeks ago, Pedrosa has two offers on the table regarding 2019, with Repsol Honda team boss Alberto Puig revealing that HRC is also interested in retaining Pedrosa as a test rider for next year.

KTM has set its sights high. There were unconfirmed rumours that the Austrian factory also inquired about securing Casey Stoner’s services in a testing role for 2019. The two-time MotoGP world champion was apparently not interested, and is instead expected to step away from MotoGP testing duties completely.

Johann Zarco will join Pol Espargaro to form the KTM MotoGP line-up next season.