Dani Pedrosa set to sit out MotoGP races?

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa has dramatically announced only hours after finishing sixth in the opening MotoGP race of 2015 that he may be forced to sit out the next few rounds as he continues to battle a problem with arm pump.

The condition, caused by a build-up of blood in the muscles of the arm, has plagued the Spanish rider for most of 2014, causing a disappointing season for him. However the former world champion has up until now kept the severity of his condition under wraps – but with no sign of improvement on the horizon may be forced to sit out upcoming rounds of the series.

“This winter I travelled all over the world to get many opinions from many doctors, to try and see fi I could have a new surgery, to try something new and to be ready for this championship.

“Unfortunately, all the doctors recommended me not to have a surgery, because the risk of another operation in that arm. I tried to follow that advice and tried to work a lot in non-aggressive ways.

“This brings me back to the situation today – I knew I wasn’t feeling very well but I knew that there was no other option. Now that the race is over, I know that I cannot perform as I know I can, and I have to decide to find a way to solve this problem.”

The announcement by Pedrosa has already ignited speculation in the paddock as to potential replacements. Calendar clashes look set to rule out World Superbike riders like Michael van der Mark, but Honda have in the past promoted privateer riders onto factory machinery for injury replacement – which could see Cal Crutchlow in the running to take over.