Ducati drops massive hints on poaching Marc Marquez from Honda
Marc Marquez has been with Honda since the start of his MotoGP career in 2013.
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Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia (Credits: Litsuit)
Marc Marquez’s situation with Honda is broiling and understandably so. Having been with the Japanese team for nearly ten years now, his departure will be the highlight if and when it happens. A year still left on his contract and rumors suggest Marquez will join Gresini early in 2024. But the Spanish racer has been treading really smartly without making any rash comments. The same cannot be said for the Ducati camp though, who might have said more than Marquez would have liked.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, Gresini manager Luigi Dall’Igna revealed that Marquez strongly wants to get on a Ducati and has decided to leave Honda. Dall’Igna soon realized the gravity of his comments and later tried to clarify by saying that nothing was official. He further tried to rectify his own doing by saying Marquez getting out of his deal with Honda would still have a lot of complications.
Reigning world champion and Gresini racer Francesco Bagnaia also couldn’t hold back his excitement. During the post-race conference in Japan, where both Bagnaia and Marquez were on the podium, Bagnaia had some words to say about Marquez and Honda. After Marquez finished answering a question, Bagnaia added from behind, ‘Bye-bye Honda’. Marquez was immediately taken aback, after which both the riders started laughing together.
Marc Marquez says he is suffering due to his current situation with Honda
Marc Marquez grabbed his first podium of the season in Japan. He came in third behind Ducati duo Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia. The Grand Prix would have been the perfect occasion for Marquez to announce his extension with Honda. Since this did not happen, more fire has been added to the speculations that Marquez will be leaving Honda for Gresini Ducati.
During the post-race conference, Marquez revealed that he is not happy and is suffering due to his current situation with Honda. He said that he is fully committed to the team and won’t force his hand to make a move-out.
“I’m not enjoying it, I’m suffering. I have had sleepless nights, thinking about [my future] a lot. We’ll see what happens, but the commitment to the brand has always been and will always be 100%,” said Marquez.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, Marquez currently stands in 15th in the standings. His more than disappointing 2023 season will also surely be a catalyst in his decision whether to stay with Honda or make a move.
Discover more:
- Marc Marquez reckons he’s ‘quite clear’ on his MotoGP future ahead of Honda’s home race
- Marco Bezzecchi credits Valentino Rossi for ‘99%’ of the ongoing MotoGP title fight in 2023
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Soham Jain
(222 Articles Published)