Dani Pedrosa Makes His Return: KTM's Star Test Rider Back at Misano
In the world of MotoGP, you can never count out a champion. Dani Pedrosa, the legendary 31-time Grand Prix winner, is revving back into action as he prepares for a private test with KTM at Misano, set to take place from April 8-11. After laying low and keeping the paddock guessing, this 39-year-old icon shows he still has plenty of gas left in his tank.
Pedrosa, who balances his dual roles as KTM’s development rider and a commentator for DAZN, will join forces with his four contracted teammates—Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini, and Maverick Viñales—for this important testing phase. And while fans held their breath following rampant speculation about a potential rift between Pedrosa and KTM after the Argentine GP, this test is a clear signal that he’s here to stay.
After a stormy finish to the previous season marked by a financial crisis within KTM and a lack of available track time, the private Misano test marks a critical juncture for both Pedrosa and the factory. His last competitive appearance was in last year's Spanish GP, where he managed a commendable third in the sprint race but stumbled in the main event. As he rounds into form, anticipation is building around his upcoming participation in the official test in Jerez on April 28—right after the Spanish Grand Prix.
However, don't get too revved up for a wild-card race just yet. The chances of Pedrosa making a one-off appearance this season look slim, though who wouldn’t want to see him tussle for points on the grid once again? For now, fans will have to settle for watching him shake down the KTM RC16 and hopefully offer some invaluable feedback to steer the team forward.
As this MotoGP season gears up, one thing’s for certain: With Pedrosa back in the fold, the Misano test just got a whole lot more interesting. It seems the racing world isn't quite ready to let the little Spaniard hang up his leathers just yet. Let’s see if he can bring some of that pre-2018 magic back to the track!
