KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa appears ‘strong and fast’, awaiting only his ‘yes’ for a 2024 Jerez MotoGP wild-card.
While not officially confirmed, all signs indicate that KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa will likely make another wild-card entry at his home Spanish MotoGP in Jerez.
Pedrosa, a former 31-time MotoGP race winner for Honda who transitioned to KTM testing duties after retiring, delighted the home crowd with a strong showing in the previous event. He led opening practice, qualified sixth, and finished competitively in sixth (Sprint) and seventh (GP) places in the races.
With Pol Espargaro now also sharing test and wild-card responsibilities, the exact schedule for each rider remains uncertain. However, KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer virtually confirmed that Pedrosa will be on a third factory RC16 at Jerez.
“I think so,” Pit Beirer informed Dorna’s Jack Appleyard when asked about a potential 2024 Pedrosa wild-card at Jerez.
“Dani was already testing for us again at Jerez this week.
“I sense he’s gearing up for that. We never pressure him to race, so ultimately the decision rests with him to say, ‘I want to go’.
“But he’s looking quite strong and fast. I believe he is prepared. All he needs to do is say ‘yes’.
“We are prepared for his entry.”
Following his impressive performance at Jerez last year, where Pedrosa, now 38, showcased heroics, he continued to excel at Misano in September. There, during the public unveiling of the factory’s carbon fiber chassis, he narrowly missed the podium in both races.
The location for Espargaro’s first race appearance since last year’s Valencia finale remains uncertain.
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