'Difficult situation' - Alex Marquez on Repsol exit

Alex Marquez took the 'glass half full' approach when quizzed on his exit from the Repsol Honda team at the end of this season.

The MotoGP rookie, younger brother of team-mate and reigning world champion Marc Marquez, will be replaced at the official Honda team by Pol Espargaro and move to LCR.

While admitting it was a 'difficult situation' to lose his Repsol seat before he has even started a MotoGP race, Alex emphasised that he at least achieved his 'target' of a new two-year contract with factory Honda support.

"I was at home like everybody and the situation was difficult as Honda did not see me even ride one race and it's a difficult situation as I did not have the opportunity to show potential or to show [what I can do] with a MotoGP bike, so my target I can say was to sign two years and I got that opportunity," Alex said.

"Also the market was so strange as many riders signed so early and in the end the situation for Honda is never easy because it's a winning team and all the decisions will be delicate.

"Everybody will speak a lot but it's how I said, I am happy about what is about to be. LCR is a professional team and from my side I was always open to Honda to speak and I have my target, which was to sign two years so I am happy for that and with factory material. I cannot ask for more."

Many have expressed surprise at Alex losing his seat without being given a chance to show what he can do, but the #73 refused to be drawn into any controversy.

"People have been at home for a long time and its normal that everybody has their opinion. I can only say my opinion, that it was my target to sign for another two years. I am happy for that and I don't have anything more to add because I am so thankful to have two more years and to have factory material in a really good team."

Looking ahead to his debut MotoGP season, starting at Jerez this weekend, Marquez said: "To be top rookie is a target because especially Brad Binder is a really fast and talented rider, but my target is also to improve every day to be fast every day and to be competitive as soon as possible."