MotoGP: Marquez adds two more years to Repsol Honda deal

Reigning MotoGP world champion marc Marquez has added two more years to his deal with the Repsol Honda team, meaning that the six-time world champion will remain with them until at least the end of the 2020 season.

The news comes as no huge surprise despite Marquez being courted by the likes of Red Bull KTM – but with plenty of unfinished business to complete with Honda as they still attempt to return the RC213V to a more easy-to-ride state, Marquez admits that he’s also very much a member of the Honda Family.

“I’m excited to continue to race for Honda’s factory team in the MotoGP class. I’m proud to race as a member of the Honda family, and I appreciate how Honda and the team always do their best to provide me with everything I need. I would also like to thank everyone who has given me such warm support over the years. The first two official tests went well and, with my contract renewed, I can focus on racing in the new season. I will continue to enjoy racing, share my joy with everybody and do my best to reach our shared goals. Thank you!”

And, with a deal in the bag early – only the third announcement of the 2019 silly season after Maverick Viñales and Yamaha and Francesco Bagnaia and Pramac Ducati, Honda president Yoshishige Nomura says it’s testament to how easy a deal it was to secure.

“I am very pleased that Marc Márquez will continue to ride for our factory team. Márquez has consistently pushed himself to the limit and matured as a rider, and given Honda many titles. We were able to announce the contract renewal at such an early stage due to our mutual trust, and our common passion for racing.

“I am certain that we can provide an environment for him to concentrate on the final tests in Qatar this week and in the lead-up to the opening round, and that we can start the 2018 season strongly. HRC will continue its challenge with Márquez, a vital rider in the future of MotoGP. I appreciate and look forward to everyone’s continued support for the Repsol Honda Team.”