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KTM MotoGP team targeting Honda's Dani Pedrosa for 2019 test role

KTM is targeting Dani Pedrosa for a MotoGP test role in 2019, Autosport understands.

Pedrosa announced last month that the 2018 season will be his last in grand prix motorcycle racing and Jorge Lorenzo has been signed to replace him at the works Honda team next year.

Honda then revealed its interest in keeping Pedrosa within its fold as a test rider, and it is believed the offer also includes an ambassadorial position similar to the one currently held by Casey Stoner at Ducati.

But a switch to KTM - where he would support the efforts of 2019 signing Johann Zarco and Pol Espargaro - has emerged as a serious option for Pedrosa.

Sources have indicated that KTM believes Pedrosa would be the perfect fit to drive forward the development of the RC16 bike, assuming he is fully committed.

KTM's manager Mike Leitner is especially keen to bring Pedrosa on board, having served as the two-time 250cc champion's crew chief in MotoGP from 2006 until the end of 2014.

Speaking last weekend at Brno, Pedrosa would not be drawn on whether he had considered any offers to become a test rider next year.

"I am not thinking much on the future," he said. "I already [made] the decision [to retire] and the announcement on this, so I will take my time. There is no rush for this."

Zdroj: autosport.com