Pol Espargaro blasts Honda MotoGP exit rumours as “fake news”

The 2013 Moto2 world champion joined Honda last season on a two-year contract and was expected to remain in the seat for 2023.

However, Suzuki’s shock decision to quit MotoGP at the end of 2022 – which was officially confirmed on Thursday ahead of the French Grand Prix, a week after Autosport’s first reports – has seen the rider market shift towards a likely tie-up between Honda and 2020 world champion Joan Mir.

While Mir denied any direct links to Honda on Thursday at Le Mans, Espargaro point-blank ruled out any speculation of him being ousted by Honda for 2023.

“Well, there’s two ways of calling this: rumours or fake news,” the 30-year-old said when asked by Autosport to comment on his 2023 plans.

“We live in a world where we are more and more surrounded by fake news.

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“It started with an Italian journalist [who said something] that Alberto [Puig, team boss] told me something after the race [at Jerez].

“This is not true, it’s fake. But as we are seeing with the politics all around the world with the fake news, it’s difficult to control.

“A bad journalist can do this. So, at the end of the day what I tell you is till it’s official I will not comment rumours.

“Rumours are rumours, fake news is fake news. I will be here till Valencia, when it’s official we will talk about it.”

But when asked if he was worried about his future, Espargaro said his concerns were no more than usual – while highlighting the fact he has had a fulfilling career.

“I mean, it’s what it is. I’m a racer, I’m a MotoGP racer and I want to be here,” added the Spaniard, who sits 12th in the standings ahead of the French GP.

“But at the end of the day, I’m a racer. If I’m not going to be here [at Honda] I will be at another place.

“If not, I’m going to be a team manager or…