Pol Espargaro to Honda? “It’s gossip but bike could suit me…”

Pol Espargaro has tentatively dismissed rumours that he could be in Honda’s sights for a move to the manufacturer in future, but admits he thinks the ‘aggressive’ bike could be adapted to his riding style.

With the 2021 MotoGP grid slowly filling up at the head of the field following confirmation of Yamaha and Suzuki’s rider line-ups for the next two seasons – together with Marc Marquez re-signing for four more years - there are only a handful of factory seats available.

However, it is the as yet vacant seat alongside Marquez that has been the subject of some speculation in Spanish media circles.

For now, the position is held by MotoGP rookie Alex Marquez on a one-year deal and he remains favourite to be retained in light of his maiden season being disrupted by the coronavirus-induced pause on racing.

However, some have identified Espargaro as a potential target in future having strengthened his reputation on the back of helping to turn newcomers KTM into regular top ten contenders within three years.

Speaking to DAZN, while Espargaro remains committed to the KTM project for now, he admits he thinks he could fare well on the infamously tricky Honda RC213V.

“Ultimately it’s all gossip right now,” he insists. “Maybe I’ll get on the KTM now and the results will be incredible, and I wouldn’t leave for all the gold in the world.

“The Honda is quite an aggressive bike, that I could be adapted quite well to my riding style. I think that Marc and I ride in a similar way, with the weight really off the bike. That helps the bike, even if the steering moves or closes, you can save those falls. We have pretty similar riding styles.”

Espargaro goes on to say he – as with all riders – dreams of having a bike capable of challenging for a MotoGP World Championship to go with his 2013 Moto2 world title.

“All of the riders on the grid, from the first to the last - and if he says no, he’s a liar - dreams of being World Champion and they are there to improve their situation, to get a better bike and to fight for the title.

“It’s my only obsession. I train every day, not to win races but to win the MotoGP, world title. After all I’ve given, I believe that I deserve it and I believe that I’ve worked enough to get it, and that’s why I keep fighting.”