Marc Marquez and Honda recently announced their split. The news has taken over the Motorsport world like wildfire because of the sheer amount of memories and triumphs the pair have achieved together. Marquez will depart Honda as their Most Successful Rider in the Premiere Class. That title holds magnanimous weight when one considers other Honda riders. Dani Pedrosa, Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner, Valentino Rossi, and many more legends have ridden for the Japanese Giant.

Honda is set to honor their relationship with the Spaniard as he is slated to ride the Ducati next season. Motorsports.com reports – Honda’s announcement that they will not hold Marquez back from testing his GP22 Ducati at the Valencia Tests (28th November). The Japanese factory, however, has put some regulations upon the Ducati-bound Marquez. One such regulation is that the rider cannot officially announce his team for next year until the end of the 2023 season. Regardless of the official statement, it’s almost confirmed that Marc Marquez will move to the Gresini Ducati team in 2024.

One point to remember is that Marc Marquez and Honda mutually decided to terminate their contract earlier than its original maturity date 2025. Honda has not been so lenient and respectful regarding riders refusing their contracts before. Let’s look at what happened in 2003 when Valentino Rossi publicly ridiculed the contract offer from Honda.

Do not miss: Ducati claims Valentino Rossi’s failure at the team led to Ducati’s resurgence

Honda held back Valentino Rossi from testing his Yamaha in 2003

Valentino Rossi stepped up to the Premiere Class in 2000 in a Satellite Honda team (which had the factory spec bike) and instantly became their best rider as the Italian finished runners-up in the World Championship. Honda promptly promoted Rossi to their factory team in 2001. The mesmerizing Italian Won 3 World Titles in a row for the Japanese factory following his promotion (2001, 2002, 2003).

Honda was the best bike on Grid in 2003 and was miles better than its nearest competitor – Yamaha. The Rossi-Honda partnership only seemed destined to prosper after the 3 World Titles. However, there was a lot of tension in the relationship, and its final crack appeared when Rossi ridiculed the new contract that Honda had formulated at the end of 2003. The Doctor said [in a press conference], “The contract Honda offered me at Motegi, was unacceptable, and I did not sign it”

The 24-year-old Valentino Rossi shocked the world as he announced his departure from Honda and eventual move to the Yamaha. Honda responded with a massive blow to Rossi’s chances of a strong start on his Yamaha. Honda contractually held the Italian from testing his Yamaha at the year-end tests, only allowing Rossi to ride the bike in 2004.

Rossi had only three months to develop his new Yamaha before the season opener. Many expected Rossi to start much slower than his Honda pace. Valentino Rossi, however, stunningly won the first race despite Honda’s efforts and became the only rider in MotoGP history to win consecutive Championships with two different Constructors. This record still stands unbroken.

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: When Marc Marquez was caught in one of the biggest high-side crashes in Moto GP history
• Aprilia can ruin Honda’s move to sign the best Marc Marquez replacement

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW