Current Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star Pol Espargaro has been at the height of MotoGP™’s ‘silly season’ contract speculation in the last 24 hours. Some media outlets – including Sky Sport Italia, Autosport and Motorsport – have suggested a deal between Pol Espargaro and HRC for 2021 is pretty much a done deal.
It would be a shock move considering the MotoGP™ riders haven’t raced in 2020 yet, and it would be an announcement that would spark a whole host of questions as to where other riders will end up at the end of the 2020 campaign. However, Repsol Honda Team Manager Alberto Puig has denied that Espargaro – or anyone apart from Marc Marquez – has put pen to paper with Honda past this season yet.
“HRC is always thinking about the present and the future of its structure, from the lower categories to MotoGP,” commented Puig. “Due to the circumstances that we are in, this season is not developing through the usual channels, but that does not mean that Honda stops continuing to plan the best possible future for all their riders. We do not have any contracts signed with anyone that have not already been announced.”
Speaking with motogp.com, LCR Honda Team Manager Lucio Cecchinello said HRC is in talks with both of his current riders, Cal Crutchlow and Takaaki Nakagami, about renewing for 2021. And what about Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)? The Pol Espargaro rumours have certainly raised a few eyebrows and it could be a switch that creates a whirlwind of moves.
However, motogp.com understands that nothing is signed yet, as MotoGP™ fans eagerly await some official confirmation regarding who HRC will sign up to be Marc Marquez' teammate next season.