The departure of six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez from Honda has undoubtedly sent shockwaves throughout the racing community. Marquez, who terminated his contract with Honda a year early, is now set to join his younger brother Alex at the satellite Gresini squad. With Honda facing its worst-ever phase in grand prix racing, the loss of their star rider is a significant blow. However, both Marquez and Honda are looking to the future and making amicable arrangements for their separation.
As Honda prepares to bid farewell to Marquez, the manufacturer has already begun planning for a future without its biggest star. Miguel Oliveira of Aprilia has emerged as a primary target to potentially replace Marquez alongside Joan Mir at Honda. Oliveira’s skills and experience make him a promising candidate for the team. It is clear that Honda recognizes the pivotal role Marquez has played in its decade-long success, and they acknowledge the need to move forward and adapt.
In an unexpected turn of events, Honda is granting Marquez the opportunity to test ride the class-leading Ducati Desmosedici before he officially joins the Gresini squad in 2024. This move allows Marquez to familiarize himself with the Gresini team and experience a different bike during the traditional post-season test. The test will take place just days after Marquez concludes his final race weekend with Honda in Valencia on 24-26 November.
While it is customary for manufacturers to allow departing riders to test for rival teams at the end of the year, there have been instances where such permissions were denied. Notably, Honda did not permit Valentino Rossi to ride the Yamaha until 1 January 2004. However, it is worth noting that Rossi had only announced his departure from Honda eight days after the conclusion of his title-winning 2003 campaign. In a more recent example, Jorge Lorenzo was granted approval by Yamaha to test for Ducati at the 2016 Valencia test before his move to the Italian brand in 2017.
Marc Marquez’s early test with Ducati serves as a thrilling glimpse into the future of MotoGP. The combination of Marquez’s unmatched talent with the formidable Ducati Desmosedici promises to create ripples in the MotoGP landscape. The test not only provides Marquez with the opportunity to prepare for his new team and bike but also raises excitement and anticipation among fans and experts alike.
As the MotoGP season nears its end, the anticipation surrounding Marquez’s future intensifies. The unexpected early test with Ducati adds an intriguing layer to Marquez’s transition to the Gresini squad. While Honda faces a significant challenge in filling the void left by their star rider, the manufacturer’s focus remains on rebuilding and shaping a new era in MotoGP. As Marquez prepares to embark on a new chapter, MotoGP enthusiasts eagerly await the dynamic shifts and changes that lie ahead. The sport’s future hangs in the balance, waiting to be molded by the talents and decisions of its brightest stars.
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