Honda to run Marquez brothers in 2020 (Update)

Alex Marquez will team with his brother in 2020

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today with this announcement from Honda:

"Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of double World Champion Alex Marquez. The young Spanish rider will join the Repsol Honda Team on a one-year contract.

"He will move from the intermediate class (Moto2) to partner eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez in 2020 for his debut season in the premier class aboard the Honda RC213V."

11/17/19 With Jorge Lorenzo driven into retirement by Marc Marquez the Repsol Honda now has a seat open and rumor has it that 2019 Moto2 champion Alex Marquez will get the seat.

When asked about the possibility of being MotoGP teammates with his brother, Marc said he will work to beat him like any other rider.

"I learned a lot from my brother, and one of the things is how to avoid pressure because always the comparison is there against a brother and the extra pressure is there," Marquez said.

"But, in the end, I'm professional and I know that maybe my teammate for next can be the Moto2 world champion – it doesn't matter who that is.

"But I know there are other riders too who could replace Lorenzo and it's not in my hands.

"Anyway, before it was Dani Pedrosa, then Lorenzo, and the future I don't know.

Will Marc destroy his brother's career like he has destroyed so many teammates before him?

"But my target will be to win the world championship and do my best on my side of the box – doesn't matter who is my teammate.

"Everybody knows the Honda maybe is the most difficult bike for a rookie to ride in MotoGP," Marquez said when asked by Autosport if he was worried about Alex suffering the same struggles as Lorenzo should he join Honda.

"The choices are quite limited for Honda. But on the list is the reigning world champion of Moto2 and I know that he can be my teammate – it depends on Honda.

"And it also depends on if my brother takes the responsibility of this new project or not because some riders had the opportunity in the past to be HRC riders and they said 'no' because it's a big responsibility and it's a difficult bike.

"But it's in Honda's hands. Alex is proud. I spoke with him and he is proud to be on the list already."