Marquez: Freeze rider contracts like engine, aero

With a four-year HRC contract extension signed and sealed, reigning champion Marc Marquez is not one of those facing an uncertain MotoGP future amid the 2020 calendar delays.

But the Spaniard has nonetheless suggested the sport should consider freezing the current rider contracts until the end of 2021, as has been already been agreed for engine design and aerodynamic updates.

"The situation is difficult. In my case, I had already renewed for four years with Honda," Marca quotes Marquez as saying. "But it is true that there are many who have not signed a contract yet, including my brother [Alex], who all want to show that they deserve a place in MotoGP, Moto2 or Moto3.

"Perhaps the teams will have to have a slightly more open mind, because one of the things already done is to freeze the motorcycles from 2020 to 2021.

"I think it is a wise move because the teams' budget will also be affected by this virus. With rider contracts, why not do something similar? Freeze it and as if this year had not happened.

"But these are things that are not in my hands. I am calm because I have everything signed. But I still want to race because that's where you show your value and level."

New Repsol Honda team-mate and reigning Moto2 champion Alex hopes he will get the chance to prove he deserves a contract extension on the racetrack.

"What I want is to race and win the renewal through my results, not a renewal without racing," he said. "It can happen, but hopefully not. Hopefully, we will have a lot of races this year.

"Why not have a race on New Year's Eve? I hope there are races and I can earn the renewal on track… I have to show that I deserve to be in that place. Doing good results is the only asset to be able to renew for Repsol Honda."

Petronas Yamaha team principal Razlan Razali was the first to suggest that, if no racing occurs this season, then the 2020 contracts should be carried over to 2021.

Currently only five riders - Marquez, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins and Tito Rabat - have a contract in place for 2021. Of those, only Quartararo is changing teams while none of the five is due to change manufacturer.