Sylvain Guintoli believes Honda MotoGP legend would be truly ‘perfect’ for the current bikes

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Much has been said in recent weeks about the current state of MotoGP’s regulations, with many believing there are simply too many gadgets at the disposal of riders now.

MotoGP legend Casey Stoner blasted the current rules, highlighting the fact that the number of utilities takes away from the raw ability that riders use to get an edge on their opponents on track.

Dorna launched a new tool for teams at the Austrian GP, in a bid to make the bikes safer on corner exit and reduce the chances of horrific high-side crashes from happening as often. The tool has also been seen as a way to hinder Ducati and increase the chance of other teams catching up.

Despite Dorna introducing numerous tools for teams, the MotoGP paddock is unconvinced that the new 2027 regs will have the intended effect of making them safer after witnessing some heavy crashes throughout the current campaign.

READ MORE: The key MotoGP rule changes you need to know about for the 2025 season

Sylvain Guintoli names Dani Pedrosa as the rider who would shine in the current era of MotoGP

Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, former Superbikes World champion Sylvain Guintoli named the one MotoGP legend who he thinks would shine in the current era of MotoGP regulations.

“I know it’s not going to happen,” Guintoli began saying to his co-commentators (10:48 22/08). “But the current regulations, with the ride height devices, the way the tires work, and the way you have to ride the bike: it’s Dani Pedrosa. It’s perfect for him.

“Perfect for his riding style, perfect for his light weight as well, as in he doesn’t weigh much. With the fuel consumption, everything that’s going on at the moment would suit Dani perfectly. And I know it’s not going to happen, but I just know he would be competitive over the whole season.”

Despite not being able to secure a world championship in the premier class, Pedrosa came mightily close on a number of occasions. The Spaniard was largely overshadowed by his incredibly gifted teammates at Honda, including Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Honda from the MotoGP team’s riders to leadership

Honda have failed to replicate their winning ways during recent years in MotoGP

As the most successful team in the history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Honda haven’t lived up to expectations in recent seasons, mainly due to the emergence of Ducati’s dominance since 2020.

The constructor boasts a record 25 constructors’ championships in the premier class, leading the second-best team, MV Agusta (who have 16 to their name) by 9 titles. They also lead the highest number of wins in the category, with 314.

After leaving the team at the end of the 2023 season following a highly successful spell with the Japanese outfit, Neil Hodgson believes Marquez would be ‘crazy’ to return to Honda, citing his success at Ducati since joining the ranks of the factory team ahead of 2025.

Marquez took a 100% pay cut to leave Honda for Gresini, highlighting his priority of winning races over the financial benefits he would have received if he remained loyal to the factory Honda team.