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Marc Marquez, a Spanish icon, has long been linked with Honda. He’s won 59 races for them, a record. However, his recent struggles are clear. He hasn’t won a MotoGP race since 2021. Injuries and a tough bike have left him 15th in the standings.
Marquez is now surprising many by joining his brother Alex at Gresini Ducati next season. Honda confirmed they’re ending his four-year contract a year early, mutually agreeing to explore new opportunities.
Overall, Marquez’s remarkable Honda journey is ending due to recent struggles, and he’s heading to Ducati alongside his brother, Alex.
This concludes an 11-year partnership with Marquez and HRC, resulting in six premier-class titles, five Triple Crowns, 59 wins, 101 podiums, and 64 pole positions.
Marquez’s Honda journey started in 2013 with a debut win in Austin, becoming the youngest premier-class winner and securing the championship. He defended his title in 2014 and won titles in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 with Repsol Honda.
Despite his success, Marquez faced a setback in 2020 due to a right-arm fracture. He had multiple surgeries and double vision in 2021 but still won three races. Fourth surgery in May 2022 improved Marquez’s arm but didn’t change Honda’s luck, resulting in their first winless season since the ’80s.
At Sachsenring this year, Marquez struggled, with five falls, a track he used to dominate. He withdrew from Sunday’s race due to injuries, showing his frustration.
Recently, Marquez adopted a more cautious approach, avoiding high-speed crashes. This change concerned peers, like reigning champ Francesco Bagnaia, who said, “This is not the real Marc.”
2024 Honda prototype debut after Marquez’s cryptic post, and Alex’s Ducati success might have played a role in his decision.
Initially, rumors linked Marquez to KTM due to Red Bull sponsorship. When KTM couldn’t secure more grid places, Gresini became the top choice.
Marquez likely signs a one-year deal with Gresini as all factory MotoGP teams will have at least one seat open in 2025. His immediate priorities include securing Honda’s clearance for a debut with Gresini at the Valencia post-race test.
Marquez aims to bring his loyal mechanics, led by Santi Hernandez, to ensure a smooth transition. Sponsors’ choices for his new team are uncertain.
Gresini, since switching to Ducati in 2022, has seen success with four Grand Prix wins in 2022 and a Sprint win in 2023. Bezzecchi, on an older Ducati, sits third in the championship, proving Ducati’s competitiveness.
With Marquez leaving, Honda plans to move Johann Zarco to Repsol Honda, partnering with Joan Mir. Lecuona and di Giannantonio are contenders for vacant Honda seats.
Marquez seeks to make history by winning the premier-class title after a three-year gap, currently held by Casey Stoner. Another title would equal Rossi’s achievement during the 2011-2012 Ducati era.
A satellite team rider hasn’t won the MotoGP crown since 2002. Jorge Martin, on a factory-spec Ducati at Pramac, is close to the championship leader, Francesco Bagnaia.
Originally, Marc and Alex Marquez were meant to be teammates at Repsol Honda in 2020, but Marc’s injury led to Alex partnering with HRC test rider Stefan Bradl.
In the 2023 MotoGP season, the spotlight will be on Marc Marquez’s journey with Gresini Ducati and his quest for premier-class success.