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Analysis

Pedrosa still Honda's number one choice for 2017

He may be in his 11th season as a works HRC rider, but Dani Pedrosa is still Honda's number one option to partner Marc Marquez in 2017.

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team

Michelin

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda Team, Honda

When Pedrosa arrived in MotoGP in 2006, he seemed the only viable alternative to Valentino Rossi's dominance. But, 10 years later, he still hasn't managed to win the title, even if he has come close on several occasions.

During all this time, Pedrosa, who last September turned 30, has seen six different riders clinch the title: Nicky Hayden (2006), Casey Stoner (2007 and 2011), Rossi (2008 and 2009), Jorge Lorenzo (2010, 2012 and 2015) and Marc Marquez (2013 and 2014).

His best results so far in the top class have been runner-up spots in 2007, 2010 and 2012 - an acceptable performance, but one which doesn't match the expectations of a decade ago.

However, he is still a bargain in the eyes of Honda, who is still not considering any other options to partner Marquez and who has already started talking with him to extend his deal.

While Marquez's renewal is the main priority for the Japanese manufacturer, Pedrosa's deal should be soon completed too, because both parties want it to happen.

As of now, Pedrosa gets two million euros per year, a more than reasonable figure if we keep in mind several factors, but one in particular: there aren't many riders who can win at least once a year, something that the Spaniard has managed up until now.

"Honda isn't considering anyone but Dani, although that doesn't mean that it's mandatory to reach a deal with him," said one HRC source. "That's what we would like and I think he would like it too."

The Japanese manufacturer believes that the balance between what Pedrosa offers and what he costs to keep on board is still worthwhile, both from a sporting and marketing standpoint.

More importantly, Honda does not believe that any of the possible replacements, like Andrea Iannone, Andrea Dovizioso, Maverick Vinales or even Alex Rins, would be consistently capable of riding faster than him.

Pedrosa, for his part, is the only member of the grid who, in theory, could race for three of the four works teams - something that plays in his favour during the negotiations, especially if we keep in mind that he has been his own manager for a while.

In fact, there are those who believe that, given his riding style, the best bike for him is the Yamaha, which has yet to sign a second rider following Jorge Lorenzo's move to Ducati.

However, it appears unlikely that the Japanese team will choose Pedrosa as Valentino Rossi's teammate, as it would mean having one of the oldest pairings on the grid.

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