Marquez unaware of Stoner discussions

"It was a decision from Honda so I will respect it" - Marc Marquez.
Marquez unaware of Stoner discussions

UPDATE: Casey Stoner sends a further tweet, confirming he wanted to ride in place of Dani Pedrosa at the COTA MotoGP:


Reigning double MotoGP champion Marc Marquez says that he was unaware of Casey Stoner's interest in replacing the injured Dani Pedrosa.

Two time champion Stoner retired from MotoGP at the end of 2012, with Marquez then taking the Australian's place at the Repsol Honda team.

Still only 29, Stoner has frequently denied that he intends to return to MotoGP, despite continuing to test and develop RCV machinery for Honda.

But with Pedrosa suddenly sidelined for at least the next two rounds due to arm-pump surgery, it appears Stoner contacted Honda about riding as the Spaniard's replacement.

However Stoner's lack of preparation time on the latest RCV, plus no prior knowledge of the Texas or Argentina circuits, meant the decision was finally taken to select Hiroshi Aoyama instead.

"Honestly first time that I heard [Stoner was interested in the ride] was yesterday because I didn't know about it," Marquez said at the Circuit of the Americas on Thursday, the Spaniard making clear that he had not blocked the move:

"Honda didn't ask me, before the decision from Honda. Yesterday when I arrived here one mechanic said to me 'did you read the tweet from Casey?' and I didn't know about it.

"But yes, it was a decision from Honda so I will respect it."

Marquez finished fifth in the season opening Qatar race after running wide at turn one.

Marquez has won from pole at both previous COTA MotoGP races.

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