The Confusion in MotoGP

Alex Rins has become the most recent MotoGP rider to cement his future in the Grand Prix by agreeing to a two-year contract with LCR Honda. Before the summer break, it was confirmed that Jack Miller would be moving to Red Bull KTM, Alex Marquez would be replacing Enea Bastianini at Gresini Ducati, and Fabio Di Giannantonio would remain at Gresini.

In addition, Aprilia extended two-year contracts with its factory riders Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro. This was a no-brainer, especially for Espargaro, who is a strong title candidate.

In contrast to Rins, who will be riding full factory Honda equipment, Marquez and Di Giannantonio will both be competing on year-old GP22 motorcycles in the upcoming season.

But what does Rins‘ affiliation with Honda signify for people who are still unemployed?

It eliminates the already slim chance that Rins would have joined the new RNF Aprilia project, making Miguel Oliveira the team’s first signing for 2023 even more plausible.

Before Marquez joined the team, the Portuguese rider had been connected to Gresini Ducati. Although LCR Honda was also mentioned as a possible destination for the KTM rider, Oliveira to RNF Aprilia is a deal we anticipate being announced shortly.

The crucial question is who will accompany Oliveira on his bike. Many Moto2 riders have been linked to that position, but Raul Fernandez seems to be the front-runner because, should that occur, he would finally be able to leave Tech 3 KTM.

The competition to be Francesco Bagnaia’s teammate is and will continue to be a two-way contest between Jorge Martin and Bastianini, just as it was before the summer break. Those that fall short will team up with Johann Zarco at Pramac.

Even though there haven’t been many developments regarding Valentino Rossi’s Mooney VR46 squad, Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi are anticipated to remain.

A decision on Marc Marquez’s partner should be made very soon since the majority of factory seats are already filled – only Ducati and Honda have openings.

Following the addition of Rins to its LCR squad, Repsol Honda is expected to announce the signing of Mir. The Spaniard is expected to sign a two-year contract.

It is obvious that Pol Espargaro’s MotoGP future is independent of Honda – a return to KTM with Tech 3 has been mentioned – and with Mir expected to join Repsol, no other riders are believed to be in the running.

Ai Ogura and Takaaki Nakagami are still the two riders in contention at LCR alongside Rins.