Why a pay cut could be the real reason Dani Pedrosa said no to KTM

Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images

KTM’s handling of Dani Pedrosa’s contract could have a major impact on the 2025 season

It seems Dani Pedrosa hasn’t been pleased with how KTM have handled contract talks in recent years.

Though he weighed up a return to MotoGP, Pedrosa doesn’t appear to be planning any comeback. He was considering stepping in as a wildcard for the injured Maverick Vinales, but ultimately decided against it.

KTM had approached him to fill in as a reserve rider due to Vinales’ injury issues, but even then, Pedrosa wasn’t inclined to accept the offer.

While still involved behind the scenes as KTM’s reserve rider and test driver, he chose not to take up the chance. Even after test-riding the team’s new 850cc bike ahead of next year, it still didn’t change his mind.

The decision could be tied to how KTM have managed his contract situation over recent years.

Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images

Dani Pedrosa’s pay and contract details have been cut down over the years

Motorsport Spain reports that one of the reasons Pedrosa isn’t too eager to step in as a wildcard for KTM comes down to money.

Since 2018, his pay and contract length have both been reduced more than once, with KTM tightening their spending as financial pressures increased. His most recent deal also took away bonuses and appearance fees for test riders taking on wildcard roles.

The report doesn’t point to money as the main reason behind his decision, but it does suggest that these changes may have hurt his relationship with the team.

For someone like Pedrosa, whose career speaks for itself, coming back just to fill a gap without any real incentive doesn’t really add up.