Honda has announced the signing of three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo for the next two seasons in 2019 and 2020 to partner Marc Marquez. Lorenzo makes a switch from Ducati after two difficult seasons.
The statement from the Japanese manufacturer read: “Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of three-times MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo. The Spanish rider will join the Repsol Honda Team for the next two years.
“From 2019, Lorenzo will become teammate to four-times MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez: two great champions with great talent and high hopes that will make a stronger team and contribute to the development of HRC.”
On Tuesday, the Japanese manufacturer announced the end of a 18-years partnership with Dani Pedrosa at the end of the 2018 season which paved the way for Lorenzo to sign up with Honda, after the Spaniard confirmed of leaving Ducati.
Lorenzo had an option to ride a factory Yamaha in a satellite outfit, but the 31-year-old opted to join Honda instead, who were looking at satellite rider Cal Crutchlow, KTM-bound Johann Zarco and Moto2 rookie Joan Mir as Pedrosa’s replacement.
With Marquez only wanting a fast teammate, it became an easy choice for Honda to lure Lorenzo in as the team continues to run all-Spaniard line-up for two more seasons at least. This will be only the second time in Lorenzo’s career that he will ride a Honda.
The first time he rode the Japanese manufacturer’s bike was during the 2005 season in the 250cc class where he finished fifth in his rookie year claiming six podium finishes, after which he made a switch to Aprilia in the title-winning 2005 and 2006 seasons.