Marc Marquez hints that he may be trapped with Honda for the next year as well amidst a hellish 2023 season

The 2023 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster for six-time champion Marc Marquez. After a series of injuries and disappointing performances with Honda, the question on everyone’s mind was whether he would stick with the team or seek new horizons. During the summer break, rumors swirled about his potential departure, but Marquez was elusive about his plans.

“In the summer break, I had a lot of time to think,” Marquez stated candidly. “Our approach in the first part of the season was not the correct one,” the six-time champion claimed. He stated they needed to work together to improve the project, which meant rider, bike, and team. He emphasized that everyone needed to improve together to be better in the future.

Further on his decision, Marquez affirmed, “For next year, I have a contract with the Repsol Honda team.” He added, “My target is to try and keep improving the bike in this second part of the season.” Marquez claimed that they were working together on the project and stated that in 2024, they needed to find the base for him and for Honda to fight for the title, and it was the only target they had.

The uncertainty arose due to Marquez’s contract duration. He had signed a lengthy four-year agreement with Honda back in 2020, before even the season began, making it challenging for him to explore alternatives. Previous rumors linked him to Red Bull and a potential move to KTM, but no concrete opportunities emerged.

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Honda’s diminished performance also added to Marquez’s woes. Marquez is currently 19th in the standings and is struggling with his RC213V. Nevertheless, he showed glimpses of his former self during the French GP, fiercely battling for a podium position. Although results have been inconsistent, Marquez displayed resilience and progress in other races. As the 2023 season progresses, Marquez and Honda work tirelessly to address their shortcomings. 

Marquez’s dedication to improving the bike and the team’s performance highlights his commitment to the project. The Misano test in September will mark an essential step towards achieving their goals. Meanwhile, Alberto Puig, Honda’s factory team boss, acknowledged the uncertain situation. “I have to think yes, because we have a contract,” Puig said. “But Honda respects Marc a lot, and we don’t want people unhappy here. Every person is free to do what they want in life.”

For now, Marquez is committed to Honda, using the rest of the 2023 season to lay the foundation for a successful 2024 campaign. “In MotoGP, it’s a constant evolution,” Marquez emphasized. “To perform well in 2024, you need to start in 2023.” The challenging circumstances may have tested Marquez’s resolve, but he remains steadfast in his desire to make Honda a title contender once again.

In case you missed it:

• After a challenging 2023 season, Marc Marquez partners up with Airbnb to offer fans a unique opportunity to stay in his MotoGP motorhome
• “It was too big of a risk,” Marco Bezzecchi talks about his safe play at Assen amidst title fight with Pecco Bagnaia

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