MotoGP: HRC confirm the signing of Pol Espargaro

HRC have confirmed that Pol Espargaro will line-up alongside Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda for the next two years.

It’s a move that has been rumoured for several weeks now, with it being all but confirmed when KTM announced Espargaro’s departure a couple of weeks ago.

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Espargaro had been involved in KTM’s MotoGP project since the beginning, and by the end of his contract will have completed four seasons with their factory team. So far, he has led the team to their first front-row start and their first podium. 

“Honda Racing Corporation are pleased to announce the signing of Pol Espargaro,” this morning’s HRC statement said. “The former Moto2 World Champion will join the Repsol Honda Team on a two-year contract. He will join eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez aboard the Honda RC213V. Espargaro is one of the most experienced riders on the grid, having raced in the World Championship since 2006 and with 104 premier class Grands Prix contested.”

The switch to Repsol Honda has come as a surprise to many, with Marquez’s younger brother Alex being forced out without having completed a single MotoGP race. Marc and Espargaro also have a bit of history after clashing during the 2012 Moto2 season. 

As a result of Espargaro’s move to Repsol Honda, Alex Marquez has been handed a spot within the LCH Honda team. This comes at the expense of Cal Crutchlow, who will depart after spending six years with Honda.