Grand prix great Kevin Schwantz has stirred debate in the MotoGP paddock with his comments about Dani Pedrosa and Alberto Puig. Image: MotoGP.com.

1993 MotoGP World Champion Kevin Schwantz has sparked debate by remarking that Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa will never win the premier class title.

Schwantz told L’Equipe magazine that the Spanish rider was being held back by his manager and advisor Alberto Puig, and said he would never reach the next level under Puig’s guidance.

“Dani lacks nothing, but he has too much – like Alberto Puig,” remarked Schwantz. “Dani needs to reach another level by himself.

“He is like a child who cannot be freed because his parents are holding him back. I like Dani, but he’s a rider who has been with Honda for eight years and not won anything.

“I would like him to prove me wrong, but I don’t think that will happen.”

Both Pedrosa and Puig responded to Schwantz’ comments, with Pedrosa standing behind his manager and questioning the American’s approach.

“I recommend that you check my career statistics and then maybe we can talk,” said Pedrosa. “I may never have won the MotoGP World Championship, but have achieved things many others have not.”

An open letter from Puig responds in minute detail, refuting the claims through the use of detailed statistics.

In summation, Puig, who was an on-track rival of Schwantz, said he has lost respect for his fellow racer.

“I sadly feel, having now read your article which I think is full of disrespect towards a great champion like Dani Pedrosa and many others who have achieved titles in the intermediate categories, that the respect I had for you on that day at Hockenheim in 1994 has now compeltely disappeared,” penned Puig.

“Kevin, it was your moment and you won the 500 title, but even champions can be wrong and should know how to rectify things when they are required to.”