Pedrosa to remain on the sidelines

Dani Pedrosa’s return to the MotoGP field has been delayed until the French Grand Prix at the earliest with the Spaniard confirming today that he would miss his home round this weekend.

Pedrosa underwent extensive surgery after the Qatar Grand Prix in an attempt to cure a longstanding arm pump problem and while he was able to train this week on a Supermoto machine he felt that he lacked the strength to complete a full Grand Prix weekend.

“I really hoped to return in Jerez but after riding a supermotard bike yesterday, we decided it’s not the best option,” said Pedrosa. “By competing in an entire race weekend we risk damaging the arm further and slowing down the healing process and the last thing I want to do is create a bigger problem. I’m missing my team and can’t wait to come back in Le Mans. Thank you all for all your kind messages, they give me strength in these tough times.”

Pedrosa’s place will continue to be taken by Hiroshi Aoyama with the Japanese rider having deputised for the past two rounds.