Manufacturing unit Ducati rider Marc Marquez has performed down the prospect of a future return to Honda in MotoGP, describing the thought as “extra principle than observe”.
Regardless of ending his Honda deal a 12 months early to affix Gresini for the 2024 season, the seven-time MotoGP champion parted with the Japanese producer on amicable phrases.
Marquez initially left the door open to a attainable reunion with the Japanese producer, however any return was all the time anticipated to rely on Honda’s restoration following its worst season within the trendy MotoGP period in 2023.
Honda has since made unbelievable progress, scoring one victory and 4 podiums throughout the 2025 marketing campaign and shifting into Group C of the concessions system alongside Aprilia and KTM.
Nevertheless, Marquez’s personal resurgence with Ducati has diminished the probability of him wanting elsewhere, with the Borgo Panigale marque giving him the instruments to win the world championship after years of struggling on uncompetitive Honda equipment.
It’s broadly anticipated that the Spaniard will prolong his stick with Ducati on an additional two-year deal, which might rule out a return to Honda till no less than 2029, when he will probably be 36.
Requested about the potential of rejoining Honda sooner or later in November, notably in gentle of the regulation modifications slated for 2027, Marquez stated: “It is extra principle than observe. I am not going to make any choices whereas I am injured or not on the bike. It is an necessary resolution, except I am completely positive about it.
Race winner Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Crew
Photograph by: Gold and Goose Pictures / LAT Pictures / by way of Getty Pictures
“I am in a great place proper now, I am again on prime, and it is time to make the suitable choices and be egocentric, considering solely of myself.
“In 2027, nobody can assure you the very best bike. When it is examined, every little thing will probably be determined. You may should belief your instincts. It will likely be a 12 months by which every little thing is up for grabs. It’s a must to handle it in one of the simplest ways attainable.”
When the identical query about Honda was put to him once more at Ducati’s Campioni in Festa occasion in December, Marquez added: “It is clear that we’ve got the quickest bike for subsequent 12 months, and that is an important factor.
“For 2027 and 2028, nevertheless, every little thing is up within the air. Clearly, the primary precedence is to be quick, and I do know that I may be quick at Ducati, however I’ve to determine plenty of issues and determine what’s finest for me.”
Motorsport.com reported final month that Ducati and Marquez first started discussing a contract renewal earlier than the beginning of the Asian tour, and previous to him sealing the title in Japan.
Whereas there’s a clear willingness from each events to achieve a brand new settlement, Marquez’s market worth has risen to ranges comparable along with his peak years at Honda, complicating negotiations for Ducati.
Marquez said there may be an “eight out of 10” likelihood that he’ll stay at Ducati for the beginning of the subsequent regulation cycle in 2027.
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Crew
Photograph by: Gold and Goose Pictures / LAT Pictures / by way of Getty Pictures
“I might say eight [out of 10], however I am just one a part of it,” he stated. “In 2025 and 2026, we’re working to win, all of the events wish to win, and that is an important factor for 2027 and 2028.
“I have to take these two weeks, initially as a result of I have not had time for myself. I had a bodily and mentally disturbing November and December due to all of the commitments I had.
“Now I am taking two weeks to consider my future, make the suitable resolution, or what I believe is finest for me.”
Marquez highlighted that he stays on good phrases along with his earlier groups, mentioning how particular it was for him to have former Honda team-mate Joan Mir alongside him on the rostrum when he clinched his ninth total world title at Motegi.
“I’ve all the time tried to be near all of the groups I’ve been with, and end in the absolute best means. It is easy when one thing is trustworthy,” he stated.
“In Japan, it was like a divine intervention that dictated it needed to be this fashion, with my workforce, Ducati, and the workforce I had at HRC, on the rostrum.
“I am [also] very proud of the place Alex [Marquez] has taken the Gresini workforce.”
Extra reporting by Matteo Nugnes
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