Honda happy to keep Dani Pedrosa for 2015

Honda has denied giving serious consideration to axing long-serving factory rider Dani Pedrosa at the end of 2014.

Pedrosa has already been strongly linked with Suzuki, with the Japanese factory eager to get a rider of the Spaniard’s speed and experience to lead its MotoGP return in 2015.

Pedrosa has made it clear though his priority is to remain with Repsol Honda, and HRC doesn’t seem willing to end its unwavering loyalty to the 28-year-old, who has never managed to win the MotoGP crown since joining the premier class in 2006.

Pedrosa has finished on the podium in all four races in 2014 but has been powerless to prevent teammate Marc Marquez from romping to four straight wins in Qatar, Texas, Argentina and Jerez.

HRC boss Livio Suppo told MCN: “Dani has been a Honda rider since the beginning of his career and for me it is difficult to see him riding a different bike. And I think that’s the same also for himself.”

One dilemma for HRC is who could replace Pedrosa, who has finished in the top three in the world championship rankings in six out of eight years.

Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl have done nothing to warrant a promotion alongside Marc Marquez and Suppo added: “At the moment Marc and Dani are first and second in the championship, so it is a super good team and both of the riders have a very good relationship and that is important. It is difficult to think how we can have a better line-up than what we have.”