MotoGP Gossip: Marquez begins contract renewal talks

Here’s the latest round-up of MotoGP gossip starting with early preparations for the 2021 rider market set to start at the 2019 finale in Valencia next weekend.

- With 2021 MotoGP rider speculation circling, Marc Marquez has confirmed he’s already commenced contract renewal negotiations with Honda. Marquez’s current deal expires at the end of 2020 and the reigning MotoGP world champion is adamant about staying at Repsol Honda. (Marca)

- Following Jonas Folger’s exit as Yamaha’s European-based MotoGP test rider, team manager Massimo Meregalli says Yamaha will only use Kohta Nozane and Katsuyuki Nakasuga as test riders in 2020 with Valentino Rossi’s outgoing crew chief Silvano Galbusera heading up its technical team. (GPOne.com)

- Cal Crutchlow takes part in Honda’s Thanks Day and gets the opportunity to ride Eddie Lawson’s world title-winning 1989 Honda NSR500 at Motegi. The British rider also won the Honda karting race paired with Hideki Mutoh. (Instagram)

- Jack Miller is a special guest for FC Barcelona at its 4-1 victory over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou and takes part in a special quickfire quiz with the Catalan giants. (Twitter)

- 15-time world champion Giacomo Agostini has called on Yamaha to find stronger straight-line speed to consistently take the fight to Marc Marquez and Honda in 2020. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)

- Ducati test rider Michele Pirro says the GP20 will not be a revolution on its current MotoGP bike as it plots its 2020 world title charge. The Italian also confirmed the full GP20 won’t be rolled out until the Sepang pre-season tests next February. (GPOne.com)