The Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa has announced his retirement from MotoGP competition at Sachsenring on Thursday afternoon. It may not be the fastest, but the Spaniard will leave the World Championship boat at the end of the year.
Speaking in a press conference, Pedrosa, confirmed that he will end his career since his debut GP racing season in 2001 with Honda.
“Next year I will not do the championship. My MotoGP career will end this season. It’s a decision I’ve been thinking about for a long time.” Pedrosa said.
“It’s hard to take because it’s the sport I love. But despite the opportunities I have to keep driving, I don’t live the race with the same intensity as in the past, and now I have different priorities in my life.” Pedrosa continued.
The 32-year-old still had the chance to continue racing in the premier class, he would be joining Yamaha’s satellite team, which will probably be run by Marc VDS.
“I would like to say how lucky I feel to have had this experience and opportunity in my life. It was amazing to ride for such an important team and in front of all those fans.” Pedrosa said.
“I went further than I thought and I am very, very proud of what I did in my sport. I pursued my dream of becoming a pilot and it was something I did not think possible when, as a kid, I watched the world championship drivers on TV.
“I would like to take the time to thank the Dorna and Honda for giving me these opportunities, as well as all the sports that have accompanied me during my career.
“I would also like to say thank you to my family, to all the fans who supported me, to those who helped me with so many messages through difficult times.” Pedrosa added.
Dani Pedrosa still had the chance to continue racing in MotoGP next year. (Source:www.otospirit.com)
Pedrosa had obtained his first title in 2003 in the category 125cc and back-to-back 250cc titles in the two following seasons, he immediately declared himself a contender for victory in MotoGP when he was transferred in 2006.
His record now boils down to 54 Grand Prix wins, 153 podiums achieved, 49 poles slammed, 64 best laps completed and 4,086 points scored, pending the rest.
