MotoGP – Honda challenges KTM to keep Espargaró and Zarco until 2031

Bruno Gomes

March 2, 2019

Espargaro and Zarco | Photo credits: Okezone Sport

The relationship between Honda and KTM in MotoGP has seen better days, and after Stefan Pierer, KTM’s CEO, harsh words during the KTM teams launch at Matighoffen a few weeks ago, saying he didn’t understand how Honda could let go Dani Pedrosa so fast after so many years racing for them, Honda, through their Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig, has answered back at KTM with a challenge.

It’s obvious Stefan Pierer words didn’t go well with Honda, and with just one week before the first MotoGP race of the season in Qatar, Alberto Puig decided to reply the courtesy, and in an interview with Motorsport website the Spaniard issued a challenge to KTM

“I’ve got great respect for Mr. Pierer. He created a motorcycle company that’s been a reference in off-road. That shows his competitive spirit. I don’t understand why Mr. Pierer said that. Dani Pedrosa’s life was followed close by me, and if someone supported Pedrosa in his career, that someone was Honda. In 2003 Honda offered him a bike to win the 125 cc title, and with his talent, he did. The same in 250 cc. Then, in 2006, Honda decided to give him a place on the MotoGP factory team. In 2007, when Nicky Hayden was the reigning champion, Honda decided to completely change the prototype for Dani Pedrosa. In total, it was 13 years in MotoGP in which Honda supported Dani, in the good and in the bad moments. To get to this level, KTM will need to keep Pol Espargaró and Johann Zarco in their factory team until 2031! I would love to see that happening. We would’ve been very happy to have Dani stay with us as a test rider and brand ambassador, but he decided to go his own way, and we respect that 100%”.

Will this be the last time Honda and KTM exchange words about Dani Pedrosa? Or will this conversation between Stefan Pierer and Alberto Puig continue and escalate to another level as soon as the MotoGP season starts in Qatar?