Repsol Honda Team's Alex Marquez will move into the LCR Honda squad from next year onwards, after Pol Espargaro was confirmed as a Repsol Honda rider for 2021. The 24-year-old's move into Honda's satellite team also confirms Cal Crutchlow's exit from Lucio Cecchinello's garage after six years with the Japanese manufacturer.
In a statement released on Monday morning, HRC confirmed that the younger of the Marquez brothers has had his current deal, which expires at the end of 2020, extended for a further two years to 2022. Meanwhile, Britain's Crutchlow will leave Honda after securing three memorable premier class victories during his six-year stay.
"Honda Racing Corporation are proud to announce the renewal of Alex Marquez, read a statement released on Monday. "Extending his current agreement until the end of 2022. During 2020, the former Moto3™ and Moto2™ World Champion will race in the premier class aboard his Honda RC213V in the Repsol Honda Team. After winning the title in the intermediate class, Marquez has a whole season ahead to gain experience and make progress on HRC’s long term project, which sees the 24-year old Spanish rider join the LCR Honda Team at the end of 2020.
"HRC would like to extend their thanks to Cal Crutchlow for his diligent and tireless work since joining HRC in 2015. With three wins and 12 podiums, the British rider has been a valuable asset on and off track – a constant source of excellent feedback for the engineers and a key part of developing the Honda RC213V in recent years. HRC wish him all the best in his future endeavours."
Muy contento de poder anunciar la renovación con #Honda HRC por dos años más en la familia del @lcr_team! ????
— Alex Márquez (@alexmarquez73) July 13, 2020
Very happy to announce my renewal with #Honda HRC for two more years in the @lcr_team family!#AM73 pic.twitter.com/2tlU3PBsYw