Dani Pedrosa: Future speculation no distraction

Dani Pedrosa has denied intense speculation about his MotoGP future will impact on his chances of capturing the premier class world title for the first time this season.

The Spaniard’s future at Repsol Honda remains unclear, though the triple world champion has told HRC management of his desire to remain on board the Japanese factory’s official squad in 2013.

HRC has already been linked with a big money swoop for current Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo, which would certainly put Pedrosa in a vulnerable position.

Controversial Moto2 star Marc Marquez has also been linked to Repsol Honda, though the rookie rule barring newcomers from moving straight to a factory team currently blocks that deal.

Pedrosa is yet to win in 2012 and despite claiming four podiums in five races he heads to this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone trailing Lorenzo by 30-points.

Asked recently whether talks about his future were distracting for the championship, Pedrosa said: “Absolutely not. These things are always here when every rider is out of contract. For that other people are taking care of it. I take care about winning. Everything is good right now but I am not winning, so I want to win soon.”

Repsol Honda has been forced to go into the rider market by Casey Stoner’s decision to retire at the end of 2012.