News 4 May 2016

Pedrosa linked to shock 2017 Yamaha MotoGP switch

Experienced Spaniard in line to replace Ducati-bound Lorenzo.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

Spanish MotoGP veteran Dani Pedrosa has been tipped to join Movistar Yamaha alongside Valentino Rossi in 2017, with reports indicating that Maverick Vinales will now remain at Suzuki.

It’s understood that negotiations between Vinales and Yamaha for him to replace Ducati-bound Jorge Lorenzo have all but stalled, placing Pedrosa in the primary position.

Pedrosa, 30, has been mooted for a Repsol Honda departure during much of the 2016 season following 11 years in the factory team, however few saw a move to Yamaha’s official squad alongside Rossi as a realistic option.

Speculation suggests Vinales has until this weekend to decide if he will switch from Suzuki to Yamaha next year, in a deal that’s believed to be paying substantially less than his current team’s offer.

For Pedrosa the transition to Yamaha would be a dream one, with many industry observers certain that the flowing nature of his style as a multiple 125cc/250cc grand prix world champion would seamlessly adapt to the YZR-M1.

As for Pedrosa’s current position alongside Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda, British Motorcycle News is reporting that LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow has emerged as a favourite for the seat in 2017.

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