After spending 6 years in the same box, Marc Márquez and Dani Pedrosa will therefore see their paths separate in 2019.
Since 2001 in 125 cc, Dani Pedrosa spent his entire career riding a Honda, winning 3 world championship titles in the 125 and 250 cc categories, but no title in the premier class despite 31 victories in 205 starts.
2 years ago, Dani Pedrosa had already felt the tide turning and had entered into discussions with Yamaha. This ultimately did not come to fruition and the native of Sabadell returned for 2 years to his role as model teammate, never really dangerous for his leader, but often there to bring the constructor's title.
It was during his test of a Formula 1 and in front of the camera of the official website MotoGP.com which Marc Márquez reacted to the announcement of this relatively unexpected breakup.
Marc Márquez : “I'm sad, of course, because Dani was a really important rider within the team, and he stayed at Honda for many years. But ultimately, it's a decision made by Honda. Of course, they will try to find a strong teammate. Dani spent many years at Honda and did a very good job for the company, so he will always be a Honda rider.”
Placing the word Honda 4 times in this short paragraph where there is no allusion to possible ties of friendship clearly shows that Marc Márquez reacts above all as a professional, and that, ultimately, the departure of Dani Pedrosa probably does not cause him any disproportionate grief.
A lot of names have been circulating to be his teammate, starting with Dani Pedrosa himself who refused the offer from the Tokyo manufacturer because it only covered one year.
Johann zarco, approached, saw Laurent Fellon oppose a firm veto and close the subject.
Jonathan Rhea was also mentioned, but undoubtedly more in the role of a foil than a real potential candidate.
More serious was the offer proposed to Joan mir, but he seems to have chosen a Suzuki undoubtedly easier to tame than the rebellious RC213V.
Jack Miller, a driver brought directly by Honda to MotoGP, would also have been a potential candidate but preferred to flourish within the Pramac team, especially since he will have an official GP19 there next season.
Since this morning, it is therefore official that Jorge Lorenzo will be his teammate.
By fielding 2 multiple world champions, on paper, the Repsol Honda team will be by far the strongest. A priori, the Honda does not seem the best bike for the flowing style of Jorge Lorenzo, but the latter having just won the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, let's not be upset and already salivate in advance of a 2019 season which promises to be very exciting!
