MotoGP: Espargaró Confirmed with Repsol Honda, Álex Márquez to Move to LCR

Pol Espargaró will join the Repsol Honda Team for 2021 and become reigning world champion Marc Márquez’ new teammate.

After four years with KTM, the Spaniard has now penned a two-year deal with the Honda factory squad. Confirmation of Espargaró’s move has been expected following extensive speculations that have not been denied by either party.

He will replace Álex Marquez at the factory squad who is set to take Cal Crutchlow’s place at LCR Honda.

Factory Swap for Espargaró

Espargaró made his MotoGP debut in 2014 racing for Tech 3 Yamaha. After three seasons together, he moved on to KTM when the Austrian manufacturer returned to MotoGP in 2017. He quickly became a pivotal character in developing the RC16 and steering the team in the right direction.

The line-up achieved a maiden podium at a rain-soaked 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and turned into consistent performers in 2019 with eight top 10 finishes.

Despite the progressive and happy partnership, the 29-year-old opted to accept the offer made by reigning team and manufacturer champions Repsol Honda and aboards a bike that should suit his aggressive riding style.

An HRC statement on the completed deal reads:

“Honda Racing Corporation are pleased to announce the signing of Pol Espargaró. The former Moto2 World Champion will join the Repsol Honda Team on a two-year contract. He will join eight-time World Champion Marc Márquez aboard the Honda RC213V. Espargaro is one of the most experienced riders on the grid, having raced in the World Championship since 2006 and with 104 premier class Grands Prix contested.”

Honda Racing Corporation

Espargaró will partner his former Moto2 nemesis Marc Márquez. The two Spaniards have been competing against each other for almost 20 years, from makeshift car park tracks in Spain through the Grand Prix ranks, and were bitter title rivals in the intermediate class in 2012.

Álex Márquez In, Cal Crutchlow Out at LCR

His arrival at Respol Honda will be at the expense of current rider Álex Márquez who will replace Cal Crutchlow at LCR Honda.

Márquez loses his MotoGP factory ride without having turned a wheel in anger yet. The 2019 Moto2 world champions received the call to become a factory premier class rider following the premature end of Jorge Lorenzo’s contract with HRC and is yet to make his debut.

HRC commented on the announcement:

“Honda Racing Corporation are proud to announce the renewal of Álex Márquez. Extending his current agreement until the end of 2022. During 2020, the former Moto3™ and Moto2™ World Champion will race in the premier class aboard his Honda RC213V in the Repsol Honda Team. After winning the title in the intermediate class, Márquez has a whole season ahead to gain experience and make progress on HRC’s long term project, which sees the 24-year old Spanish rider join the LCR Honda Team at the end of 2020.”

Honda Racing Corporation