Marc Marquez says he has no say in who Honda signs as his MotoGP team-mate for the 2019 season, and will have no objections if it is the “impressive” Johann Zarco.
Marquez has been paired with Dani Pedrosa since his debut in 2013, but the elder Spaniard's contract expires at the end of the season, with his 12-year stay at the factory squad under threat.
Honda, Suzuki, KTM and Ducati is believed to have shown interest in Zarco, while Yamaha – who has locked out its works team line-up – has said it could offer him full factory support with whatever team takes over the M1's vacated by the KTM-bound Tech3.
When asked if he could influence Honda's decision for 2019, Marquez denied this, stating that it will be “good to have very competitive rider” alongside him for the benefit of the team.
“I mean of course it is the decision of Honda.” said, Marquez, who signed a two-year deal to remain with Honda earlier in the month.
“But I know it's Honda HRC, and I want the strongest team that they think because I think it's good to have very, very competitive riders with high level in the same garage, because for improving the bike, for the team, for the atmosphere is better.
“Dani is fast, he's very fast, and this season he will be very fast. But Johann is impressive, so I don't know, for me will be OK.
“I sign already, so I'm happy.”
Zarco was asked about the potential of joining “dream team” Honda during the Qatar weekend, and said he would not be scared to partner four-time premier class champion Marquez.
“Why would I be scared?,” he told German outlet speedweek.
“Repsol Honda is a kind of dream team. Since I watched MotoGP as a kid on TV, even though I didn't watch a lot, I remember Mick Doohan, then [Valentino] Rossi, now Marquez.
“It was always good to watch this team.”
