More 2021 rider moves
More seats confirmed on the GP merry-go-round
The 2021 grid continued to take shape after a spate of rider signings as MCN went to press on Monday. The biggest move takes place at Honda, with HRC finally confirming that Pol Espargaro will become Marc Marquez’s teammate at Repsol Honda in 2021. The Spaniard has signed a two-year deal and will depart KTM after a four-year stint. Espargaro has been KTM’s project leader since they entered MotoGP, securing their first front row start and podium finish. Espargaro’s move to Repsol has huge consequences for Alex Marquez and Cal Crutchlow. The former has lost his ride in the factory team without having completed a single race for them. Instead, he’ll be at LCR Honda for the next two years, presumably alongside Takaaki Nakagami. HRC have confirmed that Crutchlow will depart LCR at the end of 2020 after six years with the factory supported satellite team. Back at KTM, Brad Binder has signed a new one-year extension for 2021 and he’ll be joined by current Tech3 KTM rider Miguel Oliviera. Danilo Petrucci takes his spot at
Tech3, alongside Ikea Lecuona.
The Petronas Yamaha team also confirmed that they’ve handed a new two-year contract to Franco Morbidelli. Despite often being outshone by Fabio Quartararo, Morbidelli still had a strong 2019 season. The Italian secured four front row starts and seven top-six finishes, helping the team to the independent team’s title. Morbidelli, a VR46 Academy member, is expected to be joined by Valentino Rossi at the satellite team next year, with Quartararo’s move to the factory Yamaha team already confirmed. At the time of MCN going to press no official announcement had been made, however Yamaha are expected to reveal Valentino Rossi’s future imminently, too.