HRC remain confident in retaining Marc Marquez past 2024 despite performance concerns - 'Part of the Honda family'
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Published 15/06/2023 at 10:50 GMT+1
Despite concerns over reliability, HRC, the Honda Racing Corporation, is standing firm in their commitment to keep star rider Marc Marquez. Koji Watanabe, the president of HRC, addressed speculation about Marquez's future and emphasised their support, considering him an integral part of the Honda family. Watanabe also said they plan to keep Marquez until his retirement.
Repsol Honda Team Spanish rider Marc Marquez attends a press conference ahead of the 1000th Moto GP Grand Prix, in Le Mans
Image credit: Getty Images
HRC insist they are confident of retaining star rider Marc Marquez, despite concerns over the team's competitiveness.
Koji Watanabe, the HRC president, has addressed ongoing speculation surrounding Marquez, saying that they remain supportive and consider Marquez an integral part of the Honda family.
The rider has at times shown frustration this season, which was visible again during last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, as the Spaniard continues to battle with a bike that does not appear to be enabling his full potential.
In a sign of his struggles, the eight-time world champion has crashed three times this term. However, the Spaniard has fought for a podium finish in the three races he’s failed to finish so far this season.
“We still feel that Marc is part of the Honda family. Of course, Honda respects the opinion of its riders. We do not feel any fear, but we will respect his decision,” Koji Watanabe told Marca on Marquez's contract renewal.
Marquez is currently signed on until the end of 2024 in what is the highest-paid contract on the current grid.
Watanabe also confirmed Honda’s hope to keep Marquez until he decides to retire, but said "there is no rush" to confirm agreements for a new deal.
"We are always talking to each other. Good communication is important in the Honda family," he added.
Watanabe, who played a significant role in developing Honda engines for Red Bull's Formula One team, also acknowledged Marquez's belief in Honda's capabilities.
Marquez had previously said that he trusts Honda's engineering prowess, citing the success of Red Bull in Formula One, and driver Max Verstappen as evidence of their excellence.
A key concern surrounding Marquez's future is his age. By the time he could potentially join a new team, he would be 32 years old, and negotiations for compensation may prove challenging due to his notable achievements and demands.
Additionally, Marquez has faced a series of injuries, which raises questions about the toll they may have on his performance and chances of securing a seventh championship title.
Of his crashes, Marquez said last weekend: "It’s difficult on the mental side, but I keep going, I keep pushing and I don’t care about the rest.
"I just keep going for myself because I know what I can do, I did it in the past and I hope that I can do it in the future.”
While KTM have hinted at openness to discussing Marquez's availability beyond 2024, Ducati have repeatedly stated that they are not considering him for their team.
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