Speculation was rife on the eve of the San Marino GP that Marc Marquez is ready to leave Honda at the close of 2023, with a switch to Gresini Ducati a very real possibility.
The eight-time World Champion’s four-year contract with HRC doesn’t run out until 2024. But the first eleven races of this year have been such an unmitigated disaster, Marquez has been seeking alternatives.
He admitted as much in an interview with Spanish broadcaster DAZN, which was aired on Thursday. “Out of respect for other brands, I won’t say who, how or what happened. But there have been contacts, obviously.”
After eleven race weekends, Marquez sits 19th in the World Championship. What’s worse is he has only finished two full length races and has been reduced to a bit-part figure in a series he used to dominate. Clearly something has to give.
Many pointed to Monday’s post-race test here as crucial for his future. It’s then when Honda will roll out an early version of its 2024 RC213V. But considering HRC is so far off the leading manufacturers – the closest Marquez has finished to a victor this year is 21s – it’s unrealistic to think Honda will suddenly reverse its fortunes over one winter.
On Thursday German publication Speedweek reported Marquez’s mind has already been made up: that he’s leaving Honda. And with Franco Morbidelli poised to join Pramac Ducati, the only viable seat remains at Gresini, where brother Alex is currently riding. While official confirmation is some way off, there weren’t figures in the paddock who were at least denying this is possible.
Asked on Thursday whether he has already made his decision regarding next year, the 30-year old said, “I have a contract for next year with Honda.”
Pressed on whether that is his decision for next year, he repeated: “I have a contract for next year with Honda.”
Marquez did admit his current situation means he’s not having fun. And for him, there is little point in being here when he isn’t having fun.
“It’s true and I always say, for me it has no meaning to ride a bike or to be here a lot of years without fighting at least for the top five, top seven positions,” he said. “Because then as a rider, I don’t have fun. Some riders have fun fighting for the back positions, maybe. But all athletes, all riders, have fun if they are there in the front.
“For me it’s so difficult to keep now the motivation. But when you are in those moments, you need to keep your routine. And you need to keep your working.
“At the moment there is nobody with the Honda that is much faster than me so I feel competitive and I try to keep the motivation in that way. But it’s true that for the future, I hope sooner than later, to be fighting again for that minimum top seven-eight positions, top five positions. That means that you are there on the top. Maybe not every race, but at least you are there.” Neil Morrison
