Marc Marquez discusses his previous MotoGP career decision to depart Repsol Honda for the Ducati satellite outfit Gresini Racing.
The Spaniard found himself at a crossroads in 2023 after another difficult season on the Honda after multiple years of uncompetitive machinery and numerous injury battles, but ultimately chose to join Gresini Racing for 2024, riding a year-old Desmosedici.
The now nine-time champion spoke at length about his decision, noting that it was a difficult move to make given that he had won his six previous MotoGP titles with the Japanese marque.
“It’s a difficult part and a difficult moment, especially because I want to win again,” revealed Marquez to TNT Sports about his past struggles.
But Marquez made it abundantly clear that his first choice was to remain in Honda colours, however, the bike’s downward spiral in competitiveness was and still is no match for the Bologna manufacturer.
“I want to win again with Honda; this is my main priority,” he said.
“But we are in a sport that is not only bike, it’s not only team, and it’s not only rider. It’s the combination of everything. So it’s very difficult because the years are passing.
“It was super difficult decision because it hurts the team. I mean, it’s my life, it’s my career, and it was a super hard decision.
“All my mechanics are there, my technicians are and the sponsors, everything.”
It has since come to light that Marquez admitted that, instead of retiring, he chose to break away from his Honda contract to join the satellite Gresini team for free.
Since taking the leap, Marquez has won 14 races over the past two seasons and in 2025 dominated to claim his seventh MotoGP title — the most championships in the premier-class MotoGP era.
And now, the 32-year-old is the oldest incumbent champion in the sport as he aims to become only the third rider ever to reach double-digit world titles, while also equalling Giacomo Agostini for the most premier-class crowns.
READ MORE – Pedro Acosta: Marc Marquez 2025 title ‘the greatest comeback in MotoGP history’
Discussion about this post