Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, has officially announced that he will leave the Repsol Honda team by the end of 2023. The Spanish racer has been associated with Honda for his entire premier-class career and has secured a record of 59 race wins with them.
Key points
- Marc Marquez will leave the Repsol Honda MotoGP team at the end of the 2023 season.
- He is expected to join the satellite Gresini Ducati team next year.
- Marquez’s decision to leave Honda comes after a number of factors, including his struggles to compete on the uncompetitive RCV bike, the disappointment of the 2024 Honda prototype, and his brother Alex’s success on a Ducati.
- Marquez is seeking to become the first rider to win the premier-class title again after losing for more than three years in a row.
- He is also hoping to equal Valentino Rossi’s record of nine world championships.
Despite this impressive record, Marquez has not achieved a top position on the MotoGP podium since 2021. His performance was impacted by multiple early-season injuries and the uncompetitiveness of the RCV. After ending his season with Honda, Marquez plans to join the Gresini Ducati team, where his brother Alex currently races.
Official Statement
The official statement from Honda Racing Corporation confirmed the early end to their collaboration, which was supposed to last until the end of a four-year contract. This decision concludes an 11-year association, during which they secured multiple championships and accolades.
Honda Racing Corporation and Marc Marquez to end collaboration early by mutual agreement
‘Honda Racing Corporation and Marc Marquez have mutually elected to terminate their four-year contract prematurely at the end of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season.
‘With a year still remaining on the four-year contract between HRC and Marc Marquez, both parties have mutually agreed to end their collaboration upon completion of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season. Both parties agreed it was in their best interests to each pursue other avenues in the future to best achieve their respective goals and targets.
‘This brings an end to 11 years of collaboration between the #93 and HRC in which they achieved six premier class World Championships, five Triple Crowns, 59 wins, 101 podiums and 64 pole positions together.
‘Marquez took his debut victory in the premier class aboard the Honda RC213V at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas in 2013 to become the youngest premier class winner and would become the youngest premier class World Champion later that year. In 2014 he defended his title and won the opening 10 consecutive races of the year, going on to also claim titles in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 as an HRC rider with the Repsol Honda Team.
‘Both parties will continue to give their full support for the remaining rounds of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season.
‘HRC wish Marc Marquez the best in his future endeavours.’
Injury
Marc Marquez’s performance was significantly affected after he suffered a right arm fracture during a race in the 2020 Jerez season-opener. Subsequent complications, surgeries, and other health issues prevented him from returning to his peak performance.
A crucial point that might have influenced Marquez’s decision to leave Honda was his performance at the Sachsenring round, where he faced multiple falls and eventually withdrew from the race due to his injuries.
Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia commented that Marquez’s current form is not representative of his true potential, suggesting a change in his mentality. Additionally, the underwhelming debut of the 2024 Honda prototype might have further influenced Marquez’s decision to part ways.
Interestingly, earlier rumours suggested Marquez might switch to KTM. However, with the Gresini team as the most viable option now, Marquez is expected to sign an initial one-year deal. Looking forward, Marquez will likely be focusing on testing with his new team and potentially bringing along some of his trusted crew.
Johann Zarco is expected to replace Marquez at Repsol Honda, partnering with Joan Mir. Marquez aims to achieve another premier-class title, which would tie him with Valentino Rossi’s record. If successful, he would also be the first from a satellite team to win the MotoGP title since its inception in 2002.
Conclusion
Marc Marquez, a celebrated six-time MotoGP champion, will be parting ways with the Repsol Honda team by the end of 2023, ending an 11-year collaboration filled with numerous victories and championships. This decision comes after a series of challenges, including injuries and unsatisfactory performances in recent seasons.
While Marquez’s next step is joining the Gresini Ducati team, there are anticipations and speculations about his future endeavours and the impact of his departure on the MotoGP landscape. Johann Zarco is projected to fill Marquez’s position at Repsol Honda. As Marquez embarks on this new journey, the racing world watches closely to see if he can reclaim his champion status and set new records in the sport.
