Pedrosa never seemed to have the fight in him, just did his own thing, then every once in a blue moon he would be an absolute genius. His scrap with Valentino at Aragon a year or so ago was one of my favourite races. He looks so awesome when his bollocks are full of aggression, just a shame he didn't do it more often.
Think his 'nice-ness' held him back. He always seemed hesitant and lacked the edge of prime Rossi/Marquez. Wonder if that crash with Hayden continues to play on his mind... He's never really seemed the same since his arm pump issues and HRC have clearly been developing the bike for Marc's style. I think some of the team's have shown their hands too early. I bet on a package suited to him, Pedrosa would still be faster than 95% of the grid.
Dani was always safe, never challenged No1 apart from skirling everyone apart from Marquez but never raced one passed. Always wondered how quick others would be on that bike.
Just read that Dani is in the melting pot should there be a satellite Yamaha team in 2019. Lin Jarvis has been hinting that discussions between the Japanese manufacturer and Petronas have been encouraging and Dani would be a good rider to get on board. Andy
When you are as delicate as Danni and you've been dumped by HRC would you risk your neck for them. He's saving himself for next season so he can finish ahead of Lorenzo every race
Not sure he’s been dumped. He’s been with them for 18years and he’s a very wealthy young fellow as a result. Two world championships and MotoGP runner up three times proves how fast he is but his summer is over and no one would criticise him for bowing out now. I just think he’s destined for mid field oblivion looking at the level the top eight or so riders are at now.
As much as I want to see him on a Yamaha, I think the things he has been saying in the press this weekend and his results are telling a different story. The two things I picked out were his "Distraction" comments, and the one in the interview with Suzi where he says he "Rides knowing he can't afford to crash, because he will get hurt". That to me (and I could be wrong as I sit in an office all day) is the difference between him and the guys winning, I am pretty sure that crashing and getting hurt was the last thing on every one of the top 6's mind at the weekend.
Just catching up on BT other coverage, and allegedly his demands, both money and perks, are excessive and petronas not keen to pay that much. Watch this space..
not only that but when he wins one every now and then... it often seems to be "good timing" for Honda - like the Japanese GP which is VERY important to all the japanese factories. Winning that is like winning Suzuka 8hrs but much more.
Future plans to be confirmed at German GP... http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/07/03/pedrosa-to-confirm-his-future-at-the-german-gp/264462
Retiring at the end of the season... http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/07/12/pedrosa-announces-retirement/264728
Shame, but I think it's the right move. I have always wanted to see him on a Yamaha or more recently a Suzuki, but I think 2 years ago was the time for that and now I think it's been obvious that he is getting 'tired' of it.