With eight-time world champion Marquez joining Gresini Ducati next season, Honda has been desperately searching for a replacement.
Miguel Oliveira was the favoured option, but Honda’s insistence on offering a one-year deal took the five-time grand prix winner off the table.
Gresini’s Fabio Di Giannantonio – whom Marquez will replace – then emerged as favourite, though rumours emerged on the run up to the Malaysian Grand Prix that Moto2 race winner Fermin Aldeguer had an offer.
However, on Friday in Malaysia Honda team boss Alberto Puig told DAZN that neither he, nor Aldeguer’s manager, knew where this rumour came from – casting doubt on the rider’s own comments this week that he had been in talks.
In the same DAZN interview, Puig revealed that Pol Espargaro, Di Giannantonio and Marini are now the contenders for Marquez’s ride at Honda. Espargaro has already confirmed he will remain with KTM as a test rider.
Asked by Autosport if he’s held talks with Honda, Marini remained cagey, noting: “Well, now, no, in this moment. Today, Friday.”
When pressed if these had happened at some point, he added: “Ah, this is… you need to talk with my manager.”
Source: Autosport