In an interview with different international media outlets in the Assen paddock, Lucio Cecchinello has hinted at the future composition of LCR Honda for the 2023 MotoGP season. The manager acknowledged that Álex Márquez is unhappy, that Takaaki Nakagami's position depends on a Honda decision, and that he is close to an agreement with Álex Rins
Lucio Cecchinello has avoided making any assumptions, but has hinted at the future composition of LCR Honda for the 2023 MotoGP season. In interviews with different media outlets, the former rider has signaled the arrival of Álex Rins and indicated that Álex Márquez is indeed on his way out.
Honda satellite team Cecchinello confirmed to the official MotoGP streaming service that it is still waiting for a decision from HCR regarding the future of Takaaki Nakagami. The Japanese rider is contracted directly by Honda, but in recent weeks numerous rumors have pointed to a replacement by Ai Ogura, currently second in Moto2.
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"The situation of the driver market is well known. The reality is that, together with Honda, we are considering all options. There are still many options," Lucio pointed out. "Álex Márquez is an option. Álex Rins is an option. We are also waiting for Honda's decision regarding Nakagami's future and I think the decision will be made after the Dutch GP," he said.
Speaking to the Spanish arm of Autosport magazine, Cecchinello was more transparent and signaled for the departure of Álex Márquez. Team owner since 2021, after being demoted from the factory team after only one season - and before even debuting - Marc's brother has been away from podiums since 2020 and doesn't seem to get along with the current RC213V.
"We fully understand that Álex is finding it harder and harder to stay on a bike that unfortunately is not as competitive as he deserves for his hard work and dedication," Cecchinello said. "We will keep giving Álex all the best we can until the end, but it's hard for him to find the motivation if he sees that he doesn't have access to do good results," he followed.
According to the Spanish press, the way forward for the youngest Marquez is the Gresini team, which will have an open seat with the departure of Enea Bastianini. The #23 is one of the candidates for the Ducati factory team, but if he doesn't end up alongside Francesco Bagnaia, he should take Jorge Martin's place at Pramac, with the Spaniard promoted to the official structure.
The LCR owner also confirmed that Álex Rins is an option for the Monegasque team, and that he hopes to define the team's composition after this weekend's race. The Spaniard is in the market because of Suzuki's exit from MotoGP, as he was moving towards renewing his contract with the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer.
"We spoke with Rins' agent and we understand each other on many things. I hope we can meet again this weekend here in Assen and make further progress. I would like to close before the winter break, as it is very long this year," he commented.
The second practice session for the Dutch MotoGP GP at Assen takes place on Friday at 9:10 a.m. (ET).GRANDE PRÊMIO follows all the activities of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.