leitner

KTM team boss Mike Leitner is convinced Dani Pedrosa can help the factory achieve that crucial “next step” in MotoGP, and dismissed concerns the Spaniard’s weight could make him ineffective in a testing capacity.

After a stunning first year in MotoGP, KTM was forced into a reality check in 2018, as it didn’t quite match the lofty expectations it set itself back in March. Injuries had a good deal to with it, and with this in mind, one of the year’s more intriguing signings took place.

"It was a last-minute decision by Mike. We respect it... Now we have to think about how to replace him"

Having previously worked with Jeremy McWilliams, Ralf Waldman and Stefano Perugini - and spent two years as an ?hlins suspension technician - Mike Leitner first joined forces with Dani Pedrosa when the Spaniard stepped up to the 250cc class in 2004.