Alex Marquez – brother of Marc – will stay on in the Moto2 category for his sixth year in 2020 with Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS.

After rumours of Marquez looking for a MotoGP move in 2020, having being linked to multiple teams and manufacturers, the Spaniard has instead decided to stay on in Moto2 for the 2020 season.

He will continue to ride for Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS, for what will be his sixth year in the intermediate class. The announcement puts to rest the MotoGP speculations for 2020 but opens up ideas for 2021.

With Marquez looking set to win the Moto2 title this year, it looks like that the 23-year-old has decided to wait it out considering the lack of seats in 2020 and make a move in 2021 perhaps, when seats could open up.

“I am very happy to be able to announce that next season I will continue with Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS in the Moto2 category,” said Marquez. “I am very grateful for the confidence of the team.

“With its renewed technical structure, a key part of the current success, I will be able to continue for one more year to improve as a rider, raise my riding level and prepare myself to fulfil my dream of making the leap to MotoGP.

“I am also grateful for the confidence of Estrella Galicia 0,0 during all these years and Marc Van der Straten who will continue to support me in my sporting career so that I can fight to achieve my objectives in the Moto2 category.”

Team owner Marc van der Straten said: “I’m really happy that the guy, the rider, the man will stay with us for another year. The option of his promotion to MotoGP next year would have made us excited, as we want the best for him because he deserves it.

“However, I didn’t like the option of him spending another year in Moto2 competing in another team. If he were to win the title this year, it would be in bad taste for him to fight for it in 2020 for a rival team when he has been trained with us in this category.

“Fortunately, he stays at home and will be able to complete his entire career in Moto2 with the Team that has seen him grow.” At the same time, team manager Joan Olive added: “We are very happy to be able to count on Alex for another year.

“This season has been very positive and we are having a lot of fun with him. We have created and consolidated a human and professional group of the highest quality with which we are working very well, so to be able to give it continuity and fight to continue reaping success together is great news.

“On the other hand, this renewal is very important, as it will allow both Alex and the team to concentrate on the World Championship with the peace of mind of knowing that next year we will continue together. I want to thank Alex for continuing to trust us, as well as all the sponsors for staying by our side and betting on this project.”