Dani Pedrosa secures new Honda MotoGP deal through 2016

The Spaniard's future had been the subject of speculation amid team-mate Marc Marquez's incredible form, as the reigning champion won the first eight races of the year while Pedrosa was left tied with Valentino Rossi for a distant second in the standings.

Honda had announced a new contract with Marquez in May, but there had been no news about Pedrosa's new deal.

On Wednesday, however, the speculation came to an end, with the Japanese team announcing a new two-year deal for Pedrosa. That means works Honda line-up will remain unchanged at least until the end of 2016.

"I'm very happy to be able to announce my renewal with the Honda team, and grateful to Honda for the trust they have shown in me for for a further two years," said Pedrosa, who has spent his entire world championship career with Honda, starting from 125cc in 2001.

"It's the best way for me to continue in my racing career, together with the company I was with in my very first race. I am very excited to give my 100 per cent and continue to work together with everyone at Honda Racing Corporation."

Honda's Shuhei Nakamoto added: "We are very pleased to renew our contract with Dani. He is enjoying a very strong season and is currently tied with Rossi in the championship, we are very happy with his performance.

"The partnership of Dani and Marc has proven to be successful and we look forward to another two years of success."

With Yamaha having recently extended Valentino Rossi's deal until 2016, Jorge Lorenzo is the only rider in the leading teams yet to tie down a new contract.

He is expected to stay with Yamaha but said recently there were some sticking points in their talks.