Pol Espargaro: 2023 Honda rumours were ‘fake news’

A report in the Italian media stated Espargaro had been informed of Honda’s intention not to extend his contract after the Spanish Grand Prix, with Joan Mir on course to take his place alongside Marc Marquez for 2023.

“We are in a world where we are more and more surrounded by fake news,” Espargaro said.

“So this is not true. It’s fake. But we are seeing with politics all around the globe and everything, how the world is going with fake news. It's difficult to control. Especially with social media. Rumours are rumours, or fake news is fake news. 

“When there is something official, we will talk about it.”

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The Spaniard added: “I have a manager who is talking with different teams, as well as Honda [about next year].

“Everyone wants to clarify their future as soon as possible, but we need to wait - especially with this Suzuki situation - and play our cards by being as fast as possible in the races.

“I'm the second-best Honda [in the world championship], nine points from my team-mate with one podium, the only podium actually for our team.

“I’m a MotoGP racer and I want to be here racing in MotoGP,” Espargaro continued. “But at the end of the day, I’ve had an amazing career whatever is going to come.

“Hopefully, as I said, it's going to be as a MotoGP rider again. But if not, I’ve had an amazing career, fighting with the best riders in the world for many, many years. I'm pleased with my career, but for sure I want to stay here.

“But I'm not worried. I would be worried at 21 years old, not now.

“I've been in this situation many times before. When I was a satellite rider I was changing or renewing the contract every year. So every year I was in the situation I'm in now and I survived!”

Espargaro arrives for round seven having completed more laps than any other rider at the Jerez test, as he and HRC sought to regain their pre-season form on the new RC213V.

“We have a completely new bike and we are facing a completely different situation to the pre-season, as you all can see from the results for all four Honda riders,” Espargaro said.

“We are suffering quite a lot, but we were testing many things and some of them were really good.

“But what matters is [how the bike works in] the next races, starting at Le Mans. Let’s see if it’s going to work out.”