Entering his fourth season as a Test Rider for KTM, the role of Dani Pedrosa now extends far beyond his title. While regularly trying to eke out improvements on the RC16, he must also prove an apt role model for the younger riders at the Austrian manufacturer, particularly Tech3’s rookie duo.
Following three days of a Shakedown Test in Sepang, Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner have both hailed the influence of the three-time World Champion as they continue their adaptation to premier class machinery. The importance of Pedrosa’s opinion isn’t lost on them either, with Fernandez admitting he is hanging onto every word he says.
"I'm really happy with these three days. In the end, we were focused on understanding the bike style and everything. Anyways we did an incredible job. Day by day I improved, I understood the bike a bit better, in general, we have a good bike for this season. I spoke with Dani Pedrosa and he helped me in so many aspects. His opinion is really important, and I can improve from him."
For Gardner, the Aussie is delighted to be able to share information with the 31-time MotoGP™ race winner, even getting some pointers from the little samurai despite his hectic schedule.
"[Dani] is busy testing but the good thing is we have his data so it’s good to compare the data. He gave me a few tips yesterday which was nice. He’s mostly busy testing new parts though."
The move to MotoGP™ can always prove a difficult transition, with Fernandez admitting that he’s had to change his pre-season preparations, focusing further on gym work in an effort to handle the bigger bikes better. Admitting to being physically “destroyed” after the Jerez Test in November, the Spanish rookie is in better shape for the opening event of 2022 and having his childhood hero working alongside him as a confidant helps.
"It’s like a dream [working with Dani]. When I was younger, I remember when I was in Jerez watching the MotoGP race and he won, and I’ll never forget this moment. Now it is really special to have him in the box, it’s like a dream. For me, he’s a super great rider, whenever I have a problem, I go to him, I speak to him and I listen to him. His opinion is really important. When he gives me some advice, it’s nice because then I always improve."
"It’s really important because when you don’t know the bike well, it’s difficult. Sepang is a really difficult track. I think the first day, I didn’t know the line, I was lost. When you don’t know the bike or the track, it’s really difficult. With Dani, we speak a bit more general about the bike. We don’t speak about specific points of the bike. Sometimes, at this track he won two races, I ask him if one turn I don’t know well, I’ll go to him and ask what he would do, but we don’t speak specifics about the bike."
Tech3's rookie duo's journey with Pedrosa is only beginning, with all three set to return to the track over the weekend when the Official Malaysia Test kicks off on Saturday, February 6th. Stay up to date with all of the action and catch the latest interviews and stories from Sepang with motogp.com.