Alex Marquez replaces Lorenzo at Honda, joins brother Marc
Marc Marquez's Moto2 title-winning brother Alex will make his MotoGP debut in 2020 as his teammate at the works Honda team in place of the retired Jorge Lorenzo.
Triple MotoGP world champion Lorenzo announced his retirement on the Thursday of the Valencia Grand Prix, with speculation quickly swirling as to who would take his place.
Initially, it appeared as if Johann Zarco – whom Honda wanted for '19 and who showed promise on the year-old LCR Honda in the last three races – was favourite.
However, Alex Marquez soon became hotly tipped to take Lorenzo's seat, with Motorsport.com revealing on Friday that a deal was close to being signed.
Ahead of Tuesday's first pre-season test of '20, HRC has confirmed it will field an all-Marquez line-up next year – a first in MotoGP history.
The Spaniard has signed a one-year contract.
Listen to our Tank Slappers podcast...
The younger Marquez made his full-time grand prix debut in Moto3 in '12, and won the class two years later after a season-long duel with Jack Miller.
He stepped up to Moto2 in '15 with Marc VDS, though struggled in his first two seasons before securing a breakthrough victory in '17.
He won this year's Moto2 crown with a race to spare in Malaysia, and was set to remain in the class with the Belgian outfit before the Honda MotoGP opportunity came along.
Zarco has been linked to the vacant Marc VDS ride, having publicly shunned a rumoured place at the Avintia Ducati team, which he branded as "not a top team".
However, as Motorsport.com reported on Monday, this deal now looks closer to happening after a meeting between Ducati and Avintia bosses and Zarco.
Share Or Save This Story
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
Brivio: Trackhouse offers 'great opportunity' for MotoGP and NASCAR worlds to collide
Marini urges patience at Honda as new MotoGP season approaches
“With the photo, Marc wants to end speculation about his arm”, believes Alex Marquez
MotoGP 2027 grid: All confirmed rider signings
Alex Marquez sets sights on MotoGP Aragon pole and sprint victory
Joan Mir defends himself over his crashes: "I know how to ride without crashing; it's very easy"
Can Diogo Moreira secure factory Honda promotion for MotoGP 2027?
Pirelli delivers 2027 MotoGP tyres with F1-style colour markings
Max Verstappen’s short but telling reaction to F1’s new Madrid circuit
IMSA drivers react to tougher officiating ahead of Indianapolis
David Croft hails Kimi Antonelli's maturity as F1 title charge gathers pace
Marco Bezzecchi not concerned by other Aprilia riders struggling in Misano MotoGP practice
Pedro Acosta may not win a MotoGP race on a KTM - and that’s not a failure
Will the 2026 MotoGP title fight boil down to these three riders?
What we learned from an intriguing MotoGP Aragon GP
How MotoGP's summer break has revitalised Aprilia's factory team
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments