FIRST LOOK: Alex Marquez in LCR Honda MotoGP colours

After spending his rookie MotoGP season at Repsol Honda, Alex Marquez switches to the LCR team for 2021, taking over the place of Cal Crutchlow.

Suddenly promoted to Repsol team leader following brother Marc's arm injury at the start of last season, Alex went on to finish 14th in the world championship.

That may not sound too impressive, but he had the distinction of being the only Honda rider to finish on the podium in 2020 - courtesy of second places at Le Mans and Aragon.

But with Pol Espargaro's Honda deal agreed before Alex had even started a MotoGP race, the former Moto3 and Moto2 world champion already knew he would be moving to LCR for 2021.

Although Marquez is switching from factory to satellite, he will continue to receive the latest Honda machinery.

The Spaniard will also be working with respected LCR crew chief Christophe Bourguignon, who helped Crutchlow to three MotoGP race wins.

Marquez will complete his first laps as an official LCR rider at next month's Qatar test.

"We need to continue to grow up as a rider, but also get more results - like the podiums last year - and a better place in the champinship," Marquez said of his 2021 objectives. "We also need to work on qualifying."

Team principal Lucio Cecchinello added: "We have all the ingredients to win races, honestly. A very talented rider, good technical staff, great support from Honda and the RCV factory machine."

Takaaki Nakagami, the top Honda rider in last year's world championship, is staying at LCR as team-mate to Alex Marquez this season. The Japanese will also ride a factory 2021-spec Honda.

Nakagami will unveil his Idemitsu-sponsored bike tomorrow (Saturday).