Marquez denies Yamaha link, admits he “had a call from Ducati”
Two-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez says rumours linking him to a Yamaha switch in 2017 are wide of the mark, but admits he has had contact with Ducati.
Second place Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing, winner Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Mirco Lazzari
MotoGP‘s ‘silly season’ is now in full flow following the announcement of Jorge Lorenzo’s impending Ducati switch, with Marquez’s future becoming the subject of some speculation.
The Honda rider is out of contract for 2017, and had been linked with the works Yamaha seat vacated by Lorenzo, despite Maverick Vinales remaining the favourite for the ride.
Speaking in Jerez, Marquez confirmed that Ducati had made him an approach, but denied being in the running to replace Lorenzo as Valentino Rossi’s teammate.
“I had a call from Ducati,” said Marquez. “Yamaha has done in the past, but not this time. Already Lin [Jarvis, team boss] said it wouldn’t be possible.”
The Spaniard added his priority was to seal a deal to remain at Honda for next year and beyond.
“I started talking with Honda [about a new contract] in Austin and I have always said they are my priority,” he said.
“They were the ones to give me the opportunity to join MotoGP, and there is no logic in changing.”
Marquez paired with… Rossi?
Asked about the prospect of being paired up with Marquez in his media briefing, Rossi said: “It would be interesting to see Marquez at Yamaha, and he would be a very tough teammate to beat.
“It’s hard enough to share a box with Lorenzo. I can only say that I will do my best to beat my teammate, whoever it is.”
But Yamaha chief Jarvis played down the prospect of a Marquez-Rossi line-up at Yamaha next season, saying: “I think it’s highly unlikely that Marc and Vale would share the same pitbox next year.”
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