Story Highlight
– Dani Pedrosa aims for 300 Grand Prix starts.
– Celebrates 40th birthday on September 29, 2025.
– Recently competitive at Misano test with top riders.
– No wildcard entries for KTM this season.
– Reflects on unique MotoGP career and rivalries.
Full Story
Dani Pedrosa, the seasoned KTM test rider, is poised to reach a significant milestone with his 300th Grand Prix appearance in the MotoGP. As he approaches his 40th birthday on 29 September, the former racer remains keen to make one last competitive outing. Recent performances have demonstrated that his remarkable speed has not diminished; during testing in Misano just last week, he finished only 1.8 seconds behind his teammate Pedro Acosta, who set the fastest time without engaging in a full time attack.
Reflecting on his current tally of 299 Grand Prix starts, Pedrosa expressed, “It’s actually just a number, but it would be cool if we could round it off,” during a conversation at a MotoGP legends event in Misano. He remains hopeful about the possibility of another race in the premier class, stating, “Let’s see what we can do.”
While a return to the MotoGP grid is not ruled out, the earliest opportunity seems to be in 2026, as KTM has opted not to field wildcard entries for the remainder of this season. Their reasoning, according to the team, is a belief that the potential benefits of such additional outings do not justify the costs, a view that has drawn criticism from rider Pol Espargaro. Observers have speculated that this decision could be a cost-saving measure related to the company’s financial situation earlier in the year.
Looking ahead to 2027, a new set of regulations will be introduced to the MotoGP, suggesting that wildcard entries may be less advantageous. Nonetheless, developments regarding Espargaro, who has hinted at a potential move to the Superbike World Championship, suggest that KTM may reconsider their approach to wildcards next season. It seems likely that KTM could offer Espargaro wildcard races as an incentive to retain him, perhaps allowing Pedrosa his long-desired chance to reach 300 starts.
Dani Pedrosa’s illustrious career began with a world championship in the 125cc category in 2003, followed by titles in the 250cc category in 2004 and 2005. Though he never clinched the championship in the MotoGP despite amassing an impressive 31 race wins and 112 podium finishes, he has an array of experiences that define his legacy. One of his most heart-wrenching moments came in 2012 when he faced a race-day calamity at Misano, resulting in a missed opportunity for the world title against rival Jorge Lorenzo. “That was one of the worst moments of my career,” he recalled in a recent interview, attributing his championship loss to a combination of unfortunate incidents.
Throughout his 13-year stint in the MotoGP, Pedrosa witnessed his teammates claim championship titles—seven times to be precise—including Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, and Marc Marquez. Speaking fondly of his colleagues, he noted, “I had really great teammates,” and particularly remembered Hayden as a fast and resilient rider. While he acknowledged some tensions with both Stoner and Marquez, he offered praise for their talents and the lessons learned from them.
A standout moment in Pedrosa’s career occurred at the Aragon Grand Prix in 2015, where he engaged in an epic battle with Valentino Rossi. Despite the contest being for second place, he later described it as, “the best race and the best fight of my career.”
In recent developments, Pedrosa participated in a private test for KTM, where he trialled new Pirelli tyres, further showcasing his ongoing involvement in the sport.
