Casey Stoner's decision to retire at the end of the season has had a real shake-up for the Repsol Honda line-up along with the discussion, rumour and speculation of who will take his vacated seat for next season.
With silly season occurring much earlier following Stoner's announcement at the French GP in May, rumours and speculation have been banded around with three candidates leading the way: Jorge Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.
Lorenzo, until he was confirmed to stick with Yamaha for another two seasons, was the most plausible of the trio as both himself and Casey are the top two riders in the world right now, making him the obvious choice after the Australian departs. Rossi would be a popular option with the fans and offer a better opportunity for him to return to the top step and inject some (much needed) action into MotoGP - however HRC have said that the only way he would be back on a Honda is if he can put together a lucrative satellite package.
Marquez is seen as the next big thing for Grand Prix racing, and is most likely to step into the factory limelight when he graduates to the premier class. However, there is one problem in his immediate progression - the rookie rule. The manufacturers are fighting for this to be abolished, but Dorna appear to be standing firm on this ruling. Only time will tell.
Dani Pedrosa seems all but certain to continue with Repsol Honda to keep some continuity, rather than unveiling an entirely new line-up in 2013. But after the aforementioned three, the options become much more difficult to predict.
But there is one person who would be a popular choice for Repsol Honda: Colin Edwards.
Yes, he is in the twilight of his racing career but placing the Texan Tornado in a one-year contract would give him a final chance to get that MotoGP win he has been chasing - something he won't achieve on a CRT - and it means he won't end with the regret of falling in the final chicane on the final lap at Assen. Plus, it would work perfectly for Marquez for when he no doubt steps up to the factory team in 2014.
Edwards has experience with Honda, having won WSB championships for them as well as podium finishes aboard the Movistar Honda in 2004. Come on Honda, give the Texan Tornado a chance.
Who do you think should/will be on the Repsol Honda next year?
