In a surprise move, Marc Marquez has left Honda after 11 successful years, even with a year left on his contract.
This decision, agreed upon by both, comes after Marquez got a podium at the Japanese Grand Prix. The famous rider is now joining the Gresini Ducati team for the 2024 MotoGP season, calling it a “win-win” for him and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).
Looking back at his long time with Honda, Marquez emphasized their honest, clean, and successful partnership. The choice to part ways, though surprising, seems smooth. Marquez is thankful for the fruitful years with Honda, winning six world titles together.
Now, Marquez will ride a year-old Ducati next season, thinking it will make him competitive again. His first ride on the Ducati at the Valencia test went well, finishing fourth fastest and setting the stage for a competitive comeback.
He explained that being competitive doesn’t mean winning every race but finding comfort and fighting for top positions. Leaving Honda means his entire salary will go into developing the Ducati, showing his commitment to making Ducati more competitive.
A Smart Choice for All
Marquez trusts Honda to succeed, whether he’s there or not. The split is expected to give Honda a big money boost, around €15 million for bike development. The recent Valencia test for the 2024 Honda prototype went well, with Joan Mir praising the updates.
The RC213V’s handling improved significantly, thanks to updates, including cutting eight kilograms off its weight. This success in testing suggests a bright future for Honda, supporting Marquez’s belief in their comeback.
As Marquez begins with Gresini Ducati, the MotoGP community is excited to see the impact. The 2024 season is expected to be thrilling, as Marquez leaving Honda signals a change that could shake up the sport’s competitiveness.
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