It seemed like mere speculation at first, but the rumours surrounding Marc Marquez’s departure from Honda have gained traction, and now it’s difficult to ignore the possibility. Media outlets have even gone as far as suggesting that Marquez has already made the decision to leave his Honda contract earlier than anticipated. One outlet, Speedweek, which is owned by Red Bull, claims that Marquez will join Gresini alongside his brother, Alex Marquez, as his teammate. Furthermore, they report that the energy drink brand will become one of the team’s main sponsors.
A Complex Negotiation Process
While the prospect of Marquez racing for the Faenza-based team is not entirely new, it’s important to note that finalizing this deal is far from straightforward. According to Autosport, it is much more complicated to bring this arrangement to fruition. Both Repsol and Estrella Galicia, the two other prominent brands associated with Marquez, have not agreed upon escape clauses with Honda. This creates a significant hurdle in the negotiation process.
Marquez has requested Honda to present him with a plan outlining the recruitment of technical specialists in key areas of modern bikes, such as aerodynamics and electronics. Alberto Puig, a former racer and now a key figure at Honda, is spearheading this effort. Puig has a mere week to convince Marquez that he has identified the best possible additions to the team. Once the list is finalized, it will be presented to Marquez for his consideration.
Neither Marquez nor the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) executives possess unwavering confidence in the RC213V prototype, which the Spaniard is scheduled to test at Misano on Monday. Marquez has long been demanding a change in concept, which he does not believe the prototype will deliver. Surprisingly, the engine of the 2024 prototype, upon which the current prototype is based, is not expected to differ significantly from the one used throughout this season. Stefan Bradl, Honda’s test rider, is set to ride the same 2024 machine as early as Friday.
Marquez has been evasive when directly questioned about the possibility of breaking his agreement with HRC. He has yet to engage in such discussions with Honda, explaining that it would not currently benefit the project. He emphasizes his dedication to the project, reiterating that unity and continued hard work are the best course of action. Marquez admits that Honda has not expressed any concerns to him regarding his commitment to the team.
Brotherly Perspective
Regarding the Gresini Ducati team, Marquez acknowledges its rich history and the success his brother, Alex, has found within it. When asked about the possibility of his brother joining him at the team in 2024, Alex Marquez remains skeptical, citing the difficulties in breaking a MotoGP contract. He mentions the numerous rumors surrounding not only his brother but also fellow rider Joan Mir. Alex believes it would be more feasible for him to consider the inclusion of Augusto Fernandez in the team, rather than focusing on the seemingly improbable task of bringing Marc or Mir onboard. However, he acknowledges Marc’s undeniable talent and speed, as demonstrated during the recent Montmelo race where Marquez qualified impressively but admits that adapting to the Ducati would present its own set of challenges for him.
A Complicated Journey Ahead
As the speculation surrounding Marquez’s potential departure from Honda continues to swirl, it is clear that this will be a challenging and intricate process for all parties involved. Negotiating escape clauses, presenting a comprehensive plan for technical recruitment, and addressing concerns about the current prototype all add layers of complexity to the situation. Only time will tell how Marquez’s future in MotoGP unfolds, and for now, all we can do is follow the developments with bated breath.
Leave a Reply