Espargaro raced with Honda in 2021 and 2022 having spent 4 seasons with KTM prior, earlier than returning to the Austrian marque this yr with the GasGas-branded Tech3 outfit.
FEATURE: What compels a MotoGP rider to return to one thing that just about killed them?
The eight-time podium finisher has misplaced his race seat at Tech3 for 2024 in favour of Moto2 champion-elect Pedro Acosta, with Espargaro signing on as a KTM check rider.
On Friday on the Malaysian Grand Prix, Honda group boss Alberto Puig advised DAZN that Espargaro was an actual choice to interchange Marc Marquez in 2024, together with Luca Marini and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Honda is eager to supply solely a one-year deal to maintain its choices open for 2025, which dominated out earlier favorite Miguel Oliveira.
Espargaro confirmed as a lot, however insists he’ll stay a KTM check rider – which can even contain wildcard outings – in 2024.
“I have already got a superb relationship with Alberto from the previous,” Espargaro mentioned when requested by Motorsport.com if he was contemplating returning to Honda.
“I believe he’s a superb man and he’s doing his job nicely. Honda is in a really tough scenario due to Marc.
“All of the riders are contracted to a manufacturing unit, so let’s say one of the best riders or riders with extra choices have contracts for subsequent yr. So, the scenario is vital for them.
“That’s to not blame Honda, it’s only a laborious scenario. Yeah, I spoke with Alberto to see how was the scenario.
“However then I additionally had a chat with the Pierer Mobility Group [KTM] guys, my bosses, and we realised for the each events it was higher to stick with this challenge, until we see this challenge a world champion.
“The contract runs out subsequent yr, so I might be free, so we’ll want to debate with KTM if one thing comes.
“However in the intervening time I’m happy the place I’m. I actually thank Honda, as a result of to depart after which get a name to return again, which means that the job accomplished was not too unhealthy and the connection with them has all the time been good, even when the outcomes had been powerful.
“I’m happy with that, meaning loads to me. However my future is totally different.”
Espargaro’s Honda hyperlinks had been shocking given his struggles with the marque, with the Spaniard admitting on the finish of final yr that he solely felt like a manufacturing unit HRC rider for one yr.
Regardless of this, Espargaro says he felt he was “a superb choice” for Honda for 2024.
“I imply, Honda’s drawback is for one yr and it’s clear, as a result of Marc leaves in the midst of the contract,” he added when Motorsport.com requested if the provide of a two-year deal would have tempted him.
“So, they’re in bother with that and so they want one man for one yr. And in the event that they want to decide on one man with expertise, that is aware of different bikes and learn how to enhance the bike.
“I really feel I used to be a superb choice for that challenge, however as I mentioned I actually wish to see myself in just a few years… possibly, I don’t know, I’d go to Honda and the outcomes are good.
“You by no means know, Honda is Honda. After which I keep 25, 26, you by no means know.
“However I actually imagine after this winter I’m going to be again with a superb degree. However it’s what it’s. However I select to remain and I respect a lot Honda. I respect Alberto, he’s accomplished a superb job.”
Espargaro insists he seems like he belongs on the MotoGP grid, however conceded that his present bodily and psychological limitations following his huge crash in Portugal which dominated him out for half a season means the KTM position is maybe extra “what I would like”.
He additionally famous KTM remains to be eager so as to add two extra bikes to the grid for 2025, however says this isn’t one thing he’s absolutely centered on when it comes to his personal future.
