The KTM X-BOW line-up in the Fanatec GT2 European Series has been boosted with some additional star quality: Dani Pedrosa is set to join True Racing by Reiter Engineering for the fifth race weekend of the season in Valencia. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MotoGPTM test rider will share the KTM X-BOW GT2 with KTM Executive Board member Hubert Trunkenpolz.
“I am thrilled and grateful to have this challenge in GT2,” said the three-time world champion with 54 MotoGPTM race wins to his name. “It’s my very first time driving the KTM X-BOW GT2, alongside Hubert who knows the car very well. I hope to have a good experience in such a strong car, and feel the adrenaline on four wheels for a change!”
Pedrosa has a wealth of racing experience that will stand him in good stead ahead of his four-wheel debut. Since drawing his MotoGPTM career to a close at the end of 2018, the Spaniard has been an important member of KTM’s Grand Prix motorcycle racing operations. As the team’s test and development rider, he plays a major role in on-track success. The 37-year-old still dons his race suit and helmet for motorcycle Grand Prix occasionally, too. In fact, shortly before his guest appearance in the Fanatec GT2 European Series, Pedrosa will be racing for KTM at the MotoGPTM race in Misano.
“Dani is a racer through and through and a real asset to KTM,” said Hubert Trunkenpolz. “Everyone in the team is hugely looking forward to his debut in the Fanatec GT2 European Series. We firmly believe that he can perform just as well on four wheel as he can on two, and we can’t wait to hear what he has to say about the KTM X-BOW GT2.”
The race weekend at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo is the fifth stop on the Fanatec GT2 European Series calendar in 2023. For the teams and drivers racing the KTM X-BOW GT2, it marks the penultimate opportunity to score some valuable championship points. KTM customer teams have real chances at title glory in both classes.
Jan Krabec (RTR Projects) and Klaus Angerhofer (True Racing by Reiter Engineering) are first and second in the Am category and recently tasted the victory champagne in Portimão, cementing their position at the head of the championship table. In the Pro-Am classification, Nicolas Saelens and Stefan Rosina (both True Racing by Reiter Engineering) are well in contention for the championship as well, trailing the leaders by just three points. Reinhard Kofler, KTM factory driver, who also holds a promising position in the championship, is set to make his debut for KTM customer team MZR in Valencia together with teammate Martin Koch. MZR has already gained a lot of experience in other racing series in recent years. This means that KTM will be represented in Valencia with five cars in the strong field of drivers, making it a major force in the Fanatec GT2 European Series.
Dani Pedrosa and his teammates will be taking on the Circuit Ricard Tormo from 15 to 17 September, with two 50-minute races planned for Saturday (16:55) and Sunday (9:55). Fans can keep up with all the action with the live stream and live timing service on the series’ official website.