The details of Honda’s proposed colossal contract extension offer to retain Marc Marquez’s services have been revealed.
The six-time MotoGP champion was left in a difficult predicament after spending the past few years battling severe injuries and witnessing Honda’s sharp decline in competitiveness.
The Spaniard chose to end his contract early with the marque to join Gresini Racing on a year-old Ducati.
However, before the decision had been made, AS reported that Marquez turned down a four-year blockbuster contract totalling €100 million.
To put it into perspective, had he accepted this deal, he would have earned double what current Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo is reportedly earning.
Gigi Dall’Igna praises Marc Marquez’s drive for success over financial gain
Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna acknowledged being aware of the figure Honda had proposed to Marquez, praising the Spaniard’s ambition to win rather than earn significant money.
“Yes, I did, but for someone who wants to win, money shouldn’t be an issue,” he stated.
“If you want to win, you have to give up so many things, sometimes even money.”
Since joining Gresini in 2024, Marquez notched up three wins on year-old machinery and later joined the factory team for 2025.
With Marquez now aboard the best bike with factory support, he’s reaping the rewards and has secured seven victories out of the eight races (including Sprints) in 2025 thus far.
“I don’t know if we’re seeing the best Márquez in MotoGP,” Dall’Igna reflected.
“But I do know we’re seeing the best Márquez on a Ducati. That’s for sure.
“I don’t know what he would have been like before, but right now he’s a fantastic rider.
“I didn’t expect it [the adaptation process] to take long because he’s already been on a Ducati for a year and knows the environment, all the people, and the bike. It’s probably a little easier for him now.”
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