When it was put to the reigning MotoGP world champion that the injured Tito Rabat was being replaced by 22-year old Christophe Ponsson in the Reale Avintia Ducati squad, Marc Marquez simply replied, ‘🌺Who?’

Ponsson, a former Wo♔rld Superbike rider who currently plies his trade in the Spanish Superbike championship, will have his first experience on a MotoGP machine at Misano on Friday morning, something that doesn’t sit easily with a number of the class’ leading names.

Aleix Espargaro was one those, believing the Frenchman’s necessary adaption to Michelin tyres, carbon brakes and added horsepower in🎃 just four free practice sessions, a 15-minute qualifying shootout and Sunday's morning warm-up will be too much to be competitive.

“For sure I say many times in the past: MotoGP is a super d𝓀ifficult ♊class,” said the Aprilia rider. “For me we cannot give a MotoGP bike to whoever because we are together it's just corner one [before he loses touch]. For him it will be super difficult to be competitive in just three sessions.

“But it's enough to create a disaster with ca𓆉rbon brakes, with almost 300𝐆 horsepower, also maybe a new track for him. It would be better to have a special licence, sincerely.”

When Marquez and ꧙Valentino 🐬Rossi were asked about Ponsson’s credentials in the official press conference, the Repsol Honda man said, “Who?

“I didn't know there was another rider in the place of Tito. I don't know him, but we 🔥already said in the past, to be in a MotoGP race, you need to have a minimum level or minimum career.

“To arrive in MotoGP because of money is not the way. We are in the best championship of the world. I know that some riders need to arrive like this, but yeah, it's💮 not saf🥂e, sure. But we will see.”

Rossi added, “I also don't know him. So riding a MotoGP bike for the first time on a race weekend is for me not a great idea. B🐭ecause the brakes, but also the tyres…🅰 Maybe it's not very safe. We need to keep attention. But I don't know him, maybe he's good and fast. We have to see.”

LCR Honda’s🌟 Cal Crutchlow offered a different perspective, however. “I’m always in two minds, because I think it’s great to give people opportunities in life, in sport,ﷺ in this paddock,” said the Englishman, before positing: “So why not have a new guy ride the bike?

“But as we know if you’ve not even raced for aꦬ year, or so, you can make mistakes. I don’t know the guy, I’ve never met the guy, I hope he has a fantastic weekend. I’m sure this guy has enough talent to ride a motorcycle at a good level.”

Full-time rider Xavier Simeon will now ride a Ducati G🌌P17 in Rabat’s absence, while Ponsson will take over the Belgian’s GP16 for this weekend.