Oliveira on short-list to replace Marquez but “alarm bells ringing” at Honda

Marquez is expected to join Gresini Racing in 2024, especially after Ducati boss Gigi Dall’Igna admitted the move was edging closer after the Japanese MotoGP.

"Honda is contacting every MotoGP rider at the moment," Speedweek reported.

Oliveira received a call despite being under contract with Aprilia for 2024.

Maverick Vinales was contacted by Honda too, DAZN previously reported.

Pedro Acosta became of particular interest to HRC director Yuzuru Ishikawa but KTM retained an option on the teenager’s contract, which they have since activated to promote him to the premier class next season.

Honda were “at least half a year late” in their pursuit of Acosta, it is reported.

They are now “desperately looking” for a replacement for the outgoing Marquez.

“Alarm bells are now ringing at HRC,” the report states.

Johann Zarco has already been recruited as a replacement for LCR Honda’s Alex Rins who will go to Yamaha next season.

But Zarco is now expected to be a “stopgap” replacement for Marquez at Repsol Honda in 2024, alongside Joan Mir.

Iker Lecuona, Honda’s World Superbike rider who has replaced Marquez when he was injured this season, is the obvious choice to then join LCR alongside Takaaki Nakagami.

Jake Dixon’s name was touted as a paddock rumour to join LCR by TNT Sports’ Neil Hodgson.

Marquez must first negotiate his way out of the final year of his contract with Honda before he can, as is now expected, join Gresini next year.