Marc Marquez will remain with the factory Honda squad in MotoGP for 2019, after agreeing a new two-year deal with the Japanese manufacturer.
The Spaniard stepped up to the premier class with HRC in 2013, and has gone on to win four MotoGP titles in his five years in the championship.
Speculation of a potential switch to KTM for next season picked up momentum towards the end of last year, though Marquez was adamant Honda was his priority, while the Austrian marque admitted it was not interested in the Spaniard.
“I’m excited to continue to race for Honda’s factory team in the MotoGP class,” said Marquez,
“I’m proud to race as a member of the Honda family, and I appreciate how Honda and the team always do their best to provide me with everything I need.
“I would also like to thank everyone who has given me such warm support over the years. The first two official tests went well and, with my contract renewed, I can focus on racing in the new season.
“I will continue to enjoy racing, share my joy with everybody and do my best to reach our shared goals.”
HRC President Yoshishige Nomura added: "I am very pleased that Marc Márquez will continue to ride for our factory team. Márquez has consistently pushed himself to the limit and matured as a rider, and given Honda many titles.
"We were able to announce the contract renewal at such an early stage due to our mutual trust, and our common passion for racing. I am certain that we can provide an environment for him to concentrate on the final tests in Qatar this week and in the lead-up to the opening round, and that we can start the 2018 season strongly.
"HRC will continue its challenge with Márquez, a vital rider in the future of MotoGP. I appreciate and look forward to everyone’s continued support for the Repsol Honda Team."
Marquez is the second top name to sign a deal for the next two years, after Maverick Vinales confirmed he had agreed a new contract with Yamaha during the team's season launch presentation in January.
Elsewhere among the factory teams, Ducati has reiterated its desire to retain both Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso beyond 2018, while Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis is certain Valentino Rossi will stay with the Iwata firm for at least one more year.
