MotoGP: Marc Marquez Reveals One Year Off From Racing was an Option Before Gresini Move

Marc Marquez recently revealed that he seriously contemplated taking a break from MotoGP for a year before ultimately deciding to ink a one-year contract with Gresini Ducati. Gresini previously made an announcement in Mandalika in which the team confirmed Marquez's switch to Ducati. Following an impressive 11-year tenure with Honda, Marquez acknowledged that his leaving plan began to take shape immediately following last week's Japanese MotoGP in Motegi. However, Marquez's path to Gresini was not simple, as rumours of KTM's possible interest added layers of difficulty. In addition, he seriously considered not competing at all for a whole year. After more than a decade with Honda, Marc Marquez announced that he would be leaving the company and joining forces with Gresini. This was his first public appearance since the announcement. For the 2024 season, Marquez will take over riding a year-old Ducati from Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, who have both contributed significantly to the Italian manufacturer's current championship-leading position.

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MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia: What Did Marc Marquez Say?

Marc Marquez Said, "It has been a super difficult decision, the toughest decision of my career because to break 11 years of relationship with Honda, a very successful relationship was super difficult. Yes, last week was hard on the emotional side because all my staff, friends and family are there inside that box."

"Sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone. And yeah, my comfort zone was Honda but yeah, it’s true that it’s been a while and I’m suffering a lot," he added. 

"One year off was one of the possibilities. As I said, racing without enjoying has no meaning. I’ve enjoyed many things in the past, but I want to fight in the present. It doesn’t matter if you have one or eight World Championships, you have to fight for the present. This was my target. But yeah, I had different options. I won’t say because I respect all those teams and all those options." 

"It will be a big challenge for me and a big challenge for the Gresini team but they’ve already done very good results with Alex my brother and with Enea Bastianini in the past. But it’s what I say, it will be a big change in every aspect and what I’m looking for is to enjoy it, and to smile in the helmet. If I smile, everything will come."

Also Read: MotoGP: Marc Marquez Joins Gresini Ducati for 2024

MotoGP: 2024 Riders Market

Grand Prix riders and teams often break their MotoGP and contracts according to their convenience and circumstances. After 11 years together, Marc Marquez has announced that he will be leaving Honda at the end of the 2023 season. Honda has not yet named a replacement for Marquez on the factory bike. After only a year with Honda, Alex Rins has announced his intention to switch teams to Yamaha in 2024. Johann Zarco, racing for Pramac Ducati in the 2023 season, will replace him at LCR Honda in 2024. Rumours have also circulated regarding a switch to Repsol for the French rider. Miguel Oliveira and Maverick Vinales are two other riders who might replace Marquez at HRC.

To make a place for Moto2 star Pedro Acosta at Gas Gas for the 2024 season, KTM released Pol Espargaró this week. KTM originally signed both riders but had to rescind their contracts when they learned that MotoGP rules prohibited the Austrian manufacturer from fielding two additional machines. After Franco Morbidelli's departure was announced earlier this year, the VR46 academy rider will be riding for the Pramac team in 2024. 

With Francesco Bagnaia as his teammate, Ducati has decided to keep Enea Bastianini as a factory rider despite a difficult maiden season plagued by injuries.