Marc Marquez signs with Honda - until 2024!

Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez has signed a four-year contract extension, twice the usual length, keeping him as a factory Honda rider until at least 2024.

After a title each in the 125cc and Moto2 classes, Marquez has been at Repsol Honda ever since his rookie 2013 MotoGP season. The Spaniard has won 56 races and six titles for the team, missing out on the world championship just once (2015).

Already the most successful Honda rider in the premier-class, by the end of his new contract Marquez could have theoretically surpassed both Valentino Rossi's seven premier-class titles and the all-time record of eight by Giacomo Agostini.

“I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation for the next four years," Marquez said. "Honda gave me the opportunity to arrive in the MotoGP class with a factory bike in 2013. Since the first year we have achieved success together and I am very happy to continue being part of the Honda family. HRC gives me the confidence to extend this partnership to obtain our common goal and continue our story of success.”

HRC president Yoshishige Nomura stated: “We are happy to announce that, after the end of the current season, Marc will stay in the Honda family for four more years. We started talking a few months ago, as both parties wanted to stay together and continue winning. Marc started his career in the premier class in 2013 and with him we have won six of the last seven MotoGP titles. As a unique champion, he deserves a unique deal. I am very confident in this partnership and I wish everyone involved continued success."

Having won the triple crown of riders', teams' and constructors' titles almost single-handedly last season, and with younger brother Alex signing on as his new team-mate, Marc's new deal was expected – but the four-year term is a surprise.

The #93 joins Maverick Vinales (Yamaha), Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) and Tito Rabat (Avintia Ducati) in having a 2021 seat in place.

Marc, who completed his first laps since November's shoulder surgery during the Sepang test earlier this month, will next be on track for the final pre-season test in Qatar from February 22-24.

Although Marc will remain a Honda MotoGP rider for the foreseeable future, rumours surround the continuation of the team's Repsol partnership. The Spanish petroleum company was not mentioned in today's announcement.