Pedrosa signs two-year extension with Honda

Honda Racing Corporation have announced that Spaniard Dani Pedrosa has signed a two-year contract extension with the factory, taking his stay with the Repsol Honda team through to at least 2018.

The news was confirmed by HRC in press release this afternoon, ending speculation that Pedrosa would leave after his eleventh season with Honda in favour of a move to Yamaha. 

The 30-year-old has 51 career victories and is just three shy of Honda legend Mick Doohan’s total, ahead of his 250th Grand Prix this weekend.

“I’m very happy to be able to announce my renewal with the Repsol Honda Team,” said Pedrosa.

“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.”

With Pedrosa’s extension at Honda confirmed, Maverick Viñales is expected to confirm he will be replacing Jorge Lorenzo in the Movistar Yamaha team next season during Thursdays pre-event press conference in Mugello. Viñales signed his two-year contract with Yamaha Saturday afternoon in Italy and will use the press conference as his chance to publicly thank Suzuki and confirm the move. 

Whilst Pedrosa and Yamaha engaged in talks, the leak from Yamaha was used to push Viñales into a decision as much as to recruit Pedrosa. 

Honda are close to agreeing a new two-year contract with Marc Marquez, with confirmation of his new contract expected to be announced at his home round in Barcelona is just over two-weeks time. 

Photos via Repsol Honda