Fabio di Giannantonio says he is yet to be contacted by Repsol Honda over its vacancy for the 2024 MotoGP season amid talk he has become its latest target to replace Marc Marquez.

The Japanese manufacturer has been actively scouting out potential names to fill the available seat that has opened up in the wake of Marquez’s decision to depart the team after nine years in favour of joining his brother Alex at Gresini Ducati.

For a fortnight it seemed the focus was on luring Miguel Oliveira to the team from RNF Racing, but after the Portuguese rider himself signalled interest, it seems Aprilia has stepped in to put a halt to proceedings on account of his 2+2 contract with the Italian firm.

With Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales also removing themselves from the running, focus has turned to the rider that Marquez will replace at Gresini Racing instead.

The Italian is a notable absentee from the provisional entry list for 2024 after Marquez’s acquisition by Gresini, which comes just as di Giannantonio is hitting a strong run of form, peaking with his maiden MotoGP podium last time out at Phillip Island.

Though he says he hasn’t begun talks with Honda, he is hopeful that a deal can be sought.

“Honestly, no,” he told Crash.net. “At the moment, we don’t have any evolutions for the future. Honestly, but I think yes. In the next couple of weeks we will know something better.”

“I hope [my recent form helps]. When you do a good job, your manager has to present you as a guy with a podium! I’m trying to help him to help me find a seat for next year.”