Pedrosa back on track for KTM in June

Dani Pedrosa will be fit to commence testing duties for the KTM MotoGP team from next month, after an appearance at Mugello this week confirmed his collarbone injury has healed sufficiently.

The 33-year-old was present in the Red Bull KTM pitbox at the recent Spanish Grand Prix before completing some exploratory laps on the development RC16 in Italy as part of a private test.

The Spaniard, who spent 13 years in MotoGP with Honda before retiring at the end of 2018, has successfully recovered from a stress fracture of the right collarbone and was able to complete several circulations of the fast and demanding track that will host the Italian Grand Prix on June 2nd.

“It was very positive and also quite exciting to see Dani riding at Mugello and able to make those laps," said Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Team Manager. "It means his shoulder recovery has gone well and he is almost ready to start his new job for us.

"We can all see how close MotoGP is in 2019 so far and how high the level is now, so to have Dani’s experience and his knowledge coming into the team and to the technicians back in the factory will only help us even more.”

The Spaniard's return could be especially good news for Johann Zarco. Both are known for a smooth riding style, but the Frenchman is currently struggling to make it work with the existing RC16.

Pedrosa made his KTM debut during a private test in December, prior to the discovery of the collarbone injury.