Dani Pedrosa will not replace Jorge Lorenzo in the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team after signing a two-year deal to remain with Honda until the end of 2018.
Yamaha were believed to be courting the Spaniard in an attempt to hurry up a decision from youngster Maverick Vinales but he has opted to remain with the Repsol-backed team. Marc Marquez is also expected to sign a new deal in the very near future.
"I’m very happy to be able to announce my renewal with the Repsol Honda Team. I’m very grateful to Honda for the trust they’ve shown in renewing with me for an additional two years. I think it’s best for me to continue with the company I was with at my very first race. I’m happy that the negotiations have been quick, and now I can just focus on racing. I want to give 100 per cent this weekend at the Italian GP,” he said.
Pedrosa has been a Honda rider for his entire career, beginning with his 2001 Grand Prix debut in the then 125cc class. A 125cc and double 250cc World Champion, Pedrosa entered MotoGP with the Repsol Honda Team in 2006 and has finished title runner-up on three occasions (2007, 2010, 2012) and third an additional three times (2008, 2009, 2013). He has achieved more podium finishes for the Honda factory than any other rider, with a total of 142, including 51 victories, just three fewer than Mick Doohan’s Honda record.