Lorenzo to join Marquez at Honda in huge MotoGP move

Repsol Honda have confirmed the signing of three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo on a two-year deal to partner reigning champion Marc Marquez from next year. Lorenzo has endured a largely forgettable spell with Ducati after making a surprise move from Yamaha two years ago.

The Spanish rider's latest move is set to send shockwaves through MotoGP yet again, and his partnership with four-time champion Marquez will be expected to be feisty.

Lorenzo replaces Dani Pedrosa, who is leaving Repsol Honda after 12 years with the team at the end of the season.

Pedrosa has won 31 races, but has never been crowned champion - finishing second in the standings three times.

Lorenzo is the only man to deny Marquez a title since his elevation to the premier class in 2013, having won his third title with Yamaha in 2015.

Lorenzo won in Ducati red for the first time just last weekend at Mugello, however 2017 saw him go a whole season without a race win for the first time in his MotoGP career.

A Honda statement hailed "two great champions with great talent and high hopes that will make a stronger team and contribute to the development of HRC."

Marquez tops the standings after winning three of the opening six races of the season.

The reigning champion on two wheels made headlines this week as he tested a Formula 1 car for the first time, courtesy of Red Bull.

Today is the day that @marcmarquez93 has been eagerly awaiting. ???????? #DreamsComeTrue #RedBullRing #F1 #ToroRosso #HondaRacing pic.twitter.com/wNnKqtvk4r — Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) June 5, 2018

Marquez follows in the footsteps of Lorenzo and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi in taking an F1 car for a spin. Rossi was previously linked with a race drive at Ferrari after extensive testing in 2006, although he opted to remain in motorcycle racing.