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
Alex Marquez makes “unacceptable” gear-shifting mistake twice in wretched Japanese GP
“With the photo, Marc wants to end speculation about his arm”, believes Alex Marquez
MotoGP 2027 grid: All confirmed rider signings
Risky or good for the show? MotoGP riders divided on 2027 weekend format change
Honda calls Aleix Espargaro back for Indonesia MotoGP race
Honda wildcard Takaaki Nakagami ruled out of Japanese GP after fracture
McLaren targets Lando Norris’ costly fuel system issue with Singapore F1 power unit fixes
Lewis Hamilton: Younger F1 drivers are “more and more cautious” about racing in rain
Ford steps up WEC preparations with second test car
How Ford is “hitting milestones” ahead of its WEC Hypercar push
The contrasting tactics used by Ducati and Aprilia in MotoGP 2026 title fight
Five things we learned from MotoGP Japanese GP after tyre drama
How to make two MotoGP grids with a single qualifying session
What we learned from an emotional MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix
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