Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda today agreed on a three year contract extension, which keeps the Spaniard with the team until 2024.
With the news, Marquez follows both Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo in committing their futures before the 2020 season begins.
Like many riders, Marquez was scheduled to become a free agent at the conclusion of this highly anticipated season, a year in which he could match Valentino Rossi’s tally of nine championships and seven in the top class.
For Honda, this was as easy a decision as they will face for the foreseeable future given the success Marquez has provided.
Only 2015 has seen Marquez not take riders championship honors since entering the class in 2013.
Every team except Yamaha and Suzuki made no secret of their interest in Marquez, with Ducati heading the long list of interested teams.
The signal of intent from both sides is evident, with the length of the deal being a slight surprise, given riders predominantly signing two-year deals.
However, with Marquez riding better than ever in 2019, the four year deal will take the 26 year-old into his 30s with the Japanese manufacturer.
Marquez described the news as ‘happy’, saying: “I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation for the next four years.
Honda gave me the opportunity to arrive in the MotoGP class with a factory bike in 2013. Since the first year we have achieved success together and I am very happy to continue being part of the Honda family.
HRC gives me the confidence to extend this partnership to obtain our common goal and continue our story of success.”
Marquez and the team enter the 2020 campaign having won the last three rider championships, team championships and a third consecutive triple crown.
Also on hand to talk about the continued partnership was Honda Racing Corporation Manager Yoshishige Nomura, who said: “We are happy to announce that, after the end of the current season, Marc will stay in the Honda family for four more years.
We started talking a few months ago, as both parties wanted to stay together and continue winning. Marc started his career in the premier class in 2013 and with him, we have won six of the last seven MotoGP titles.
As a unique champion, he deserves a unique deal. I am very confident in this partnership and I wish everyone involved continued success.”
The eight time world champion has a staggering 82 wins in all classes and 90 pole positions, which includes a record 62 in MotoGP.
Marquez and the Honda team will be in a action in the short matter of two days with the three day Qatar test, before round one in March.
