Repsol Honda have confirmed that Pol Espargaro will replace Alex Marquez in their works MotoGP team before the youngster has even turned a wheel in anger.

Espargaro, who has but one premier class podium to his name, takes over from the younger Marquez when this truncated, coronavirus-lashed season is over in a two-year deal.

"As you may already know, next year KTM and I will separate our paths after what will be the four most intense and beautiful years of my life," said the 29-year-old on Instagram.

"Knowing that on many occasions we have had weaker weapons than the others, we have fought and persevered together overcoming all the obstacles that a project as new as this has presented us. I have been surrounded by a technical and human team from out of this world, tireless fighters who have always given their all!

"In 2021 I am going to compete for the Repsol Honda Team and I am going to try to show what I am capable of achieving with the same effort and sacrifice, in a new stage of my life that promises to be even more intense. But we still have a whole season together in which, as always, I will try to be on the level that this great factory deserves."

Honda released this brief statement:

Honda Racing Corporation are pleased to announce the signing of Pol Espargaró. The former Moto2 World Champion will join the Repsol Honda Team on a two-year contract.

He will join eight-time World Champion Marc Márquez aboard the Honda RC213V.

Espargaró is one of the most experienced riders on the grid, having raced in the World Championship since 2006 and with 104 premier class Grands Prix contested.

Marquez is demoted to the LCR Honda team to replace Cal Crutchlow.