Can you believe that the silly season in MotoGP is still going on? Considering that this year’s contract madness started before the season even began, it is surprising there are still open seats on the grid. So, what has caused the silly season to carry on so long? One name—Dani Pedrosa.
The Retirement of Dani Pedrosa
Over a month ago, Jorge Lorenzo jumped ship from Ducati after the end of his two-year contract. He landed at Honda, replacing Dani Pedrosa as the factory’s second ride. This startling development meant that for the first time ever, Pedrosa was a free agent who would not be riding a motorcycle from the Honda factory. It also meant that Pedrosa was the most successful free agent in MotoGP. All attempts to fill the remaining seats on the grid stopped as teams began to throw offers at Pedrosa.
It took over a month before Dani made a decision that would end the bidding war for his services. It wasn’t the decision many were hoping for.
At the German Grand Prix, Dani Pedrosa announced that he would be retiring from MotoGP. Easily one of the most successful riders of all time, Pedrosa has scored 31 wins and 112 podiums in MotoGP. He has won world titles in the 125cc class and the 250cc class, but winning a MotoGP title has always eluded him. He has finished runner-up to the champion on three occasions: Against Stoner in 2007 and against Lorenzo in 2010 and 2011.
Though many saw his departure from the Honda factory as inevitable, most didn’t think he would retire from MotoGP completely. Many speculated that Pedrosa’s previous injuries may have contributed to his retirement. The racer would later confirm this suspicion when interviewed by journalists. Honda has already expressed that they would love to have Pedrosa as a factory test rider.
For more news about MotoGP and the rest of the motorcycling world, keep following the attorneys who ride at Metier Law Firm.