The world of MotoGP was rocked by the news of Marc Marquez’s departure from Honda. The six-time MotoGP champion and Honda came to a mutual agreement to terminate their contract a year early. This decision allows Marquez to join his younger brother Alex at the satellite Gresini squad. While it is undoubtedly a big blow for Honda, who is currently going through its worst-ever phase in grand prix racing, the Japanese manufacturer is already looking towards the future without its biggest star.
With Marquez’s departure in mind, Honda has shifted its focus towards finding a suitable replacement. Miguel Oliveira from RNF Aprilia has been identified as the primary target to fill the void left by Marquez. Oliveira, alongside Joan Mir, who will remain at Honda next year, is expected to form a formidable lineup. Honda acknowledges the significant role played by Marquez in its success over the last decade, and while the separation is amicable, both parties have agreed not to discuss Marquez’s new team or bike until the end of the season.
Despite the contract termination, Honda has taken a surprising step by allowing Marquez to test the class-leading Ducati Desmosedici. This opportunity will allow Marquez to familiarize himself with the Gresini squad and ride a Ducati in the traditional post-season test. This test will take place just days after his final race weekend with Honda in Valencia on 24-26 November. While it is customary for manufacturers to permit departing riders to test for rival teams at the end of the year, there have been instances where permission was denied. In the case of Valentino Rossi in 2004, Honda did not allow him to ride the Yamaha until 1 January, despite his announcement of leaving Honda coming eight days after the end of his title-winning campaign. However, the precedent set by Jorge Lorenzo in 2016, when he was able to test the Ducati ahead of his move to the Italian brand in 2017, suggests that the testing permission is granted when requested in a timely manner.
An Uncertain Future
The departure of Marc Marquez undoubtedly leaves a void in the Honda team. His success on the circuit and his ability to consistently deliver outstanding results have contributed greatly to the team’s accomplishments. As Honda faces its worst-ever phase in grand prix racing, it is left to reevaluate its strategies and find new ways to regain its dominant position. The legacy of Marc Marquez will not be forgotten, but now is the time for both Honda and Marquez to move forward separately. Marquez’s move to Gresini in 2024 is set in stone, and Honda aims to focus on the future, rebuilding and strengthening its team.
The departure of Marc Marquez from Honda marks the end of an era. Six-time MotoGP champion Marquez and Honda agreed to terminate their contract, allowing Marquez to join the satellite Gresini squad. As Honda faces its worst-ever phase in grand prix racing, it is already seeking to replace its biggest star. Miguel Oliveira has been identified as the primary target for Honda as they look to rebuild and move forward without Marquez. Despite the separation, Honda has allowed Marquez an early opportunity to test the Ducati Desmosedici before his switch to Gresini, further highlighting the amicable nature of their parting. The future may be uncertain for Honda, but as one chapter ends, another begins, setting the stage for new possibilities and challenges.
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