Spanish media confirm Pedrosa to Yamaha?

Spanish newspaper El País have confirmed MCN’s story from earlier this week that Dani Pedrosa will make a shock switch to the Movistar Yamaha squad for the 2017 MotoGP season.

Spain’s biggest daily paper – and one of the most trusted publications in the paddock – reported online last night that Pedrosa’s deal has now been finalised, after Yamaha failed to agree terms with Maverick Viñales, who will remain at Suzuki.

MCN first reported the story exclusively on Tuesday, after sources in the paddock confirmed to us that Pedrosa would make the switch. On paper, he is perfect for Yamaha, replacing a rider with a very similar riding style in the shape of Lorenzo.

Pedrosa’s reputation as the perfect teammate could well mean that he is the ideal option to back Valentino Rossi’s remaining two years in the sport.

Pedrosa’s move would also end one of the longest relationships in MotoGP – and may well open the door for British rider Cal Crutchlow to have a second go as a factory rider. The Brit should now be in the running to replace Pedrosa, thanks to his relationship with the manufacturer, and the similarity in riding style he shares with Marc Marquez.

However, with two veterans signed for Yamaha in the shape of Pedrosa and Rossi, the pressure will now be on the team to sign the next generation of rider to replace them; they are believed to be hunting Alex Rins to join the Monster Tech 3 squad.