Pedrosa farewell: 'Entire focus will be on riding'

Dani Pedrosa will reach the end of a long and successful grand prix career, in front of his home Spanish fans, at Valencia on Sunday.

A Honda rider since his 125cc debut in 2001, Pedrosa won three titles in the smaller classes before joining MotoGP with the factory Repsol team in 2006.

31 victories mean he is the most successful rider without a premier-class title, but Pedrosa’s achievements will be recognised when he is made an Official MotoGP Legend on the eve of this weekend’s event.

“Clearly, Valencia will be a bit special, as it will be my final race, so the feeling will be different than usual,” said Pedrosa. “It’s also going to be busy, because many of my people, friends and family will come there wishing to spend time together.

“Anyway, when I climb on my bike, my entire focus will be on riding. I like the track as it’s one of my favourites on the calendar, and of course I’ll try and get the best result possible on Sunday.”

Pedrosa, who will become a KTM MotoGP test rider in 2019, has one last chance to maintain his record of at least one podium in every grand prix season, with a best of fifth place so far this year.