Marquez to replace Stoner at Honda
With the rookie rule – one that wouldn't allow new MotoGP recruits to go straight into a factory team – scrapped, Marquez will be the second Repsol Honda rider in 2013Spaniard Marc Márquez will make his debut in MotoGP with the Honda factory team in 2013 at just 20 years old.
As expected, Marquez was given the nod by Honda to replace Australia’s retiring Casey Stoner. Marquez’s teammate will be Honda incumbent Dani Pedrosa, with both riders locked in until the end of 2014.
“To reach MotoGP next season with Repsol Honda is a dream come true and I want to thank HRC for their confidence in me,” said Marquez. “I am very proud to be a part of the big Honda family for the future and I don’t want to forget all the people have helped me since I began to ride motorbikes.
“Now my focus is on Moto2 where my team and I are working very hard and we are excited to achieve our goal, which is to win the world championship in 2012.”
Marquez was 125cc world champion in 2010, runner up on his debut year in Moto2 class and is currently leading the Moto2 world championship by 34pts.
Stoner has endorsed his replacement at Repsol Honda.
“Everybody knows my opinion on Marc and what his capabilities are, and I think he’s shown what his intentions are by the championship he’s having now,” said Stoner. “So it should be interesting to watch next year and see how he goes. For sure the rookie rule to be taken away is the best decision, full stop.”
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
