In a surprising turn of events, Marc Marquez, the six-time premier class champion, will bid farewell to Honda at the end of this weekend. After an incredible 11-year journey, Marquez will be leaving the team that he called home since the beginning of his career. With 59 race wins and 101 podium finishes under his belt, it is undoubtedly the end of an era for both Marquez and Honda.
Marquez’s departure from Honda comes after a challenging period in his career. It began with a season-ending injury at the 2020 Spanish GP, followed by a return in 2021 only to be plagued by a second bout of diplopia later that year. These hurdles caused Marquez to miss several Grand Prix races and face ongoing struggles with Honda’s RC213V.
Now, as he prepares for his final race with Honda, Marquez is reflective and realistic about his expectations for the weekend. While he admits to longing for a fairytale ending, he understands the need to approach the race pragmatically. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya holds sentimental value for Marquez, but recent races have been challenging for him. Nevertheless, he is determined to do his best and savor the experience with his team and fans.
Marquez’s departure from Honda not only marks the end of an era but also signals a fresh start for the Spanish rider. He is set to join Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season alongside his brother Alex, adding an exciting new chapter to his career. The move to the Faenza-based Ducati satellite team will bring about significant changes, including parting ways with his long-time crew chief Santi Hernandez.
Although Marquez will leave behind his trusted Honda crew, he looks forward to working with Joan Mir’s 2020 Suzuki title-winning crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, at Gresini. The transition presents a mix of emotions for Marquez, as he acknowledges the difficulties of leaving behind a team that played a crucial role in his success.
As Marquez steps onto the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for what could be his final race with Honda, he can’t help but feel the weight of the occasion. Controlling his emotions and staying focused on the track will be a tremendous challenge. While he hesitates to declare it his last race with Honda, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of life, Marquez recognizes that this marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in his career.
Despite the mixed emotions, Marquez is determined to savor each moment of the race weekend and create lasting memories. Looking ahead to the future, he understands that working with a different group will pose its own set of challenges. However, for now, his focus remains on making the most of his remaining time with Honda and embracing the farewell to a team that has been an integral part of his journey.
In the motorsport world, farewells are both bittersweet and inevitable. Marc Marquez’s departure from Honda symbolizes the end of a glorious chapter, leaving behind a legacy that will be celebrated for years to come. This weekend, as fans and competitors bid farewell to Marquez in his last race with Honda, the collective emotions of admiration, gratitude, and nostalgia will undoubtedly fill the air.
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