MotoGP: The Repsol Honda saga continues

With the Valencia test approaching, Repsol Honda is talking to many riders but is yet to make a decision.

Since Marc Marquez announced his departure from Repsol Honda, there has been a frenzy trying to find a replacement. Multiple riders have been linked to the seat for a one-year deal to remain or move to MotoGP. With the first test of 2024 taking place on 28^th November, time is running out.

There have been many failed talks for Repsol Honda after approaching multiple MotoGP riders. Luca Marini is one ride who has been confirmed to have been approached by the historic manufacturer. Marini quickly shut down these rumours by adding that it is not the “right situation” at the moment.

Another rider who was approached was Miguel Oliveira, who spent 2023 racing for RNF Aprilia. However, it looks like the Portuguese rider will stick with the RNF squad next season until the end of his contract. Talks between himself and Honda have died down, with Oliveira reportedly sensing a lack of strategy from Honda.

Johann Zarco announced a switch to Honda next year, joining the LCR Honda team in 2024. Zarco did confirm that he was approached to do one year at Repsol Honda before returning to LCR. However, the recent MotoGP race winner did not opt for this as he would rather use all his energy on the LCR project.

Iker Lecuona’s hat was originally thrown into a ring after acting as a replacement rider this season. Lecuona has raced in six MotoGP races this season and is currently racing for HRC in WorldSBK. Speaking about the reports, Lecuona confirmed that he won’t be on the bike next year and has not been told who will ride the machine next year.

“No! Honestly, no, and that hurts, hurts a lot.” Lecuona told AS after he announced that he is no longer in the running for the seat.

A switch of seats

Fabio Di Giannantonio ends his second season in the premier class without a ride for next season. The Italian has spent the last two years racing onboard the Ducati with Gresini Racing in MotoGP.

The past two years have been tough for Di Giannantonio, with one top-10 finish in his rookie season. However, he made a breakthrough this year with a fourth place in Indonesia and a podium in Australia. This podium has raised eyebrows in the paddock, with many teams looking at the Italian in 2024.

Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini next season has left Fabio Di Giannantonio without a ride. Thanks to recent results it has put Di Giannantonio in the driving seat for the Honda ride next season. In Malaysia, the 25-year-old confirmed that he is still in talks with the manufacturer.

Di Giannantonio told motogp.com: “Well, let’s say that for me also, I wanted to have some news here, but we are still working on it. For sure, we are taking steps forward. But at the moment, not any significant step, let’s say.”

The step up from Moto2

Fermin Aldeguer heads to the Malaysian Grand Prix on a high, with podiums in the last three rounds and a win in Thailand. The Spaniard took his Moto2 race win at Silverstone in his second full year in the class.

Aldeguer’s name has only recently been put into the hat, but rumours about the 18-year-old have spread like wildfire. At the beginning of the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, Aldeguer confirmed the talks were true.

Speaking to motogp.com, Aldeguer said: “The call was there but I don’t have anything on the table, in the end, Honda is looking for one rider and maybe my name is one of those. Also, there is [Fabio] Di Giannantonio so we have to wait. My mind is on Moto2 and to continue the progression.”

It sounds like a decision will be made soon, with Aldeguer later adding that a decision will be made within the next two rounds. Aldeguer added: “Maybe this race, maybe Qatar.”

Aleix Espargaro believes it would be the right move. Espargaro told motogp.com: “Fermin is ready, he’s very fast. In the last races, he’s shown how fast he is. He reminds me a little bit of Fabio [Quartararo] with his style on the bike, it’s also the same way of going to MotoGP,” Espargaro said on Thursday in Malaysia.”

Image credit: Repsol Media