Honda has confirmed it has signed triple MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo to join Marc Marquez for the next two years from 2019.
Lorenzo switched to Ducati last season following nine years in the premier class with Yamaaha, but endured a largely difficult season-and-a-half with Italian marque.
The Spaniard finally took his maiden win with Ducati at Mugello last weekend, but said this result would not affect his future with the team, with a move to a Petronas-backed satellite Yamaha team rumoured.
However, on Tuesday, HRC confirmed it will part ways with long-time rider Dani Pedrosa, with Lorenzo quickly and strongly linked to take his place.
In a brief statement, HRC said: “Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of three-times MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo.
“The Spanish rider will join the Repsol Honda Team for the next two years.
“From 2019, Lorenzo will become teammate to four-times MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez: two great champions with great talent and high hopes that will make a stronger team and contribute to the development of HRC.”
Lorenzo's deal with Honda is reported to be worth €4million, a substantial drop from the base salary of €12million he enjoyed with Ducati.
Pedrosa has now been linked to the Petronas-backed satellite Yamaha squad Lorenzo was, with the 31-times premier class race winner confirming more news on his future plans will be revealed come next weekend's Catalan Grand Prix.
Lorenzo's departure from Ducati now paves the way for Pramac's Danilo Petrucci to take his place, with the remaining factory Suzuki and Aprilia set for Joan Mir and Andrea Iannone respectively.
Lorenzo's Mugello victory now moves him into 10th in the current points standings with 41, 54 off of future team-mate Marquez and 26 down on current stablemate Andrea Dovizioso.
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