The MotoGP grapevine is abuzz with rumours of Honda poaching Jorge Lorenzo to team up with current World Champion, Marc Marquez.
With the double World Champion’s contract expiring at the end of 2014, Jorge is bound to at least consider the offer, especially since the Honda bikes seem to be outclassing the Yamaha’s at almost every circuit and corner.
HRC team principal Shuhei Nakamato has said that it would be foolish for the team to not open negotiations with Lorenzo. Curiously, Dani Pedrosa’s contract is also set to expire at the end of this year.
“At the moment we are happy with both Dani and Marc, and if both riders agree we would like to continue,” Nakamoto said.
“But at the same time [if] Jorge is also on the market, then at least I will talk with him.”
Marquez said in December last year that he would have no qualms about Honda signing his arch rival, saying: “What I want is to be in that garage. My team-mate [is irrelevant].”
Lorenzo has only raced for one team since he joined the premier class from the 250cc series, where was also a double champion. Since joining Yamaha, he has won two titles, 31 grand prix victories, 74 podiums and 29 pole positions.
This is not the first time that Honda has made a move for Lorenzo, the Japanese team also approach the Spaniard after Caser Stoner’s retirement. Jorge chose to sign a two-year commitment to Yamaha instead.
Lorenzo was also forced to reiterate his loyalty to Yamaha after reports of a potential ride with Ducati for 2015 emerged.
Source: MotoGP
