asphaltpilot
07-21-2005, 08:45 PM
http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view.asp?cid=6&nid=115390
250cc World Champion Dani Pedrosa has confirmed the much rumoured news that he has signed a deal with Honda to ride as part of their official team in the MotoGP class from 2006.
The Spanish youngster, who won the quarter-litre title at the first attempt last season and currently leads the series by 37 points, tested the Japanese factory's V5 machine at Valencia last November and has expressed his delight at the dream deal.
"As soon as Honda made the offer we accepted," smiled Dani, pictured in his adopted home town of London yesterday. "Both Alberto [Puig, Pedrosa's manager] and I were very clear - we wanted the best bike more than we wanted the money.
"When I tested Honda's MotoGP bike at Valencia I could tell that it was a bit big for me and my body isn't quite ready for a bike like that so I will have to train very hard. I am not scared of anybody in MotoGP, just a little worried about my size," he added.
It is presumed that Pedrosa will be partnering US GP race winner Nicky Hayden in the factory Repsol backed team next year, as a replacement for Max Biaggi, although the possibility of a third bike remains theoretically possible.
Hayden signed a multi-year deal with Honda last season, while Biaggi is believed to be on a one-year contract, but many have expressed doubts about Hayden's ability to lead the RC211V project.
250cc World Champion Dani Pedrosa has confirmed the much rumoured news that he has signed a deal with Honda to ride as part of their official team in the MotoGP class from 2006.
The Spanish youngster, who won the quarter-litre title at the first attempt last season and currently leads the series by 37 points, tested the Japanese factory's V5 machine at Valencia last November and has expressed his delight at the dream deal.
"As soon as Honda made the offer we accepted," smiled Dani, pictured in his adopted home town of London yesterday. "Both Alberto [Puig, Pedrosa's manager] and I were very clear - we wanted the best bike more than we wanted the money.
"When I tested Honda's MotoGP bike at Valencia I could tell that it was a bit big for me and my body isn't quite ready for a bike like that so I will have to train very hard. I am not scared of anybody in MotoGP, just a little worried about my size," he added.
It is presumed that Pedrosa will be partnering US GP race winner Nicky Hayden in the factory Repsol backed team next year, as a replacement for Max Biaggi, although the possibility of a third bike remains theoretically possible.
Hayden signed a multi-year deal with Honda last season, while Biaggi is believed to be on a one-year contract, but many have expressed doubts about Hayden's ability to lead the RC211V project.