Dani Pedrosa will not get a second MotoGP wild-card outing at Misano as planned to lessen the risk of potential injury that would hamper its preparations for the 2022 MotoGP season, according to KTM bosses.
The Spaniard - a 31-time MotoGP race winner - made his first grand prix appearance since the conclusion of the 2018 season with a much anticipated wild-card outing in the Styrian MotoGP at KTM’s home Red Bull Ring venue.
Originally set to form part of a two-race agreement that would also see Pedrosa competing at Misano in the San Marino MotoGP, KTM has opted to withdraw the wild-card in order to focus on testing and to not risk potential injury for its prized asset.
Indeed, Pedrosa demonstrated solid pace in Austria, just missing out on reaching Q2 and going on to finish 10th in the race, However, this came after Pedrosa experienced an off during the first start, leading to Lorenzo Savadori clattering the stricken KTM, causing an inferno and injuring the Italian, though Pedrosa was able to make the second start for his top ten result.
However, the incident appears to have spooked KTM amid concerns it could compromise itself without Pedrosa - who has been credited with leading the turnaround in form for the Austrian team - should he get injured.
"We have withdrawn the wildcard option for Misano," KTM Race Manager Mike Leitner told Speedweek. “We still have enough material to test. That is why we at Dani focus on the test events.”
KTM has endured a checkered run of form since returning from the summer hiatus with erstwhile potential title contender Miguel Oliveira struggling with injury, though Brad Binder has moved into the overall top six after a shock win in wet conditions at the Austrian MotoGP.
