MotoGP™ Legend and KTM Test Rider Dani Pedrosa is set to make his return to premier class action for the first time in 18 months at April's Spanish Grand Prix. The three-time World Champion will make his second wildcard appearance in the orange of KTM, after coming out of retirement at the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix, and will tackle the famous Spanish circuit for the first time since Turn 6 was renamed 'Pedrosa Curve'.
Speaking on social media, The Little Samurai explained that a key reason behind the outing is the introduction of MotoGP™ Sprint this season. The new event will get underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday at all 21 Grands Prix (you can view the full schedule here), making it the biggest shake-up to MotoGP™ in recent memory. The Spaniard will be aiming to add a Sprint success to his three premier class victories around the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto.
"As you may know, I will be doing an appearance as a wildcard rider at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez later this year," started Pedrosa. "I’m really happy about this opportunity with the KTM Factory Racing Team. We’ll be doing this wildcard mainly to get more experience out of MotoGP Sprint and the new MotoGP format. Hopefully, we can get as much experience as possible from the weekend.
"I’m also really happy to be participating that weekend because Jerez has a special vibe. It’s always a great atmosphere there. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the fans again. I’ll also be sharing the track with the best of the best. I hope if you can’t get to the circuit that you’ll follow it from the TV and enjoy the weekend as much as I will."