MotoGP: Red Bull Could End Partnership with Honda Following Marc Marquez's Exit

Red Bull has recently informed Honda of its decision to end the long-standing MotoGP collaboration between the two parties, which has existed since the 2006 season when Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa were both members of the works Honda team. All of Repsol Honda's bikes have been emblazoned with Red Bull branding since 2015, two years after Marc Marquez's stunning debut and title win in his rookie MotoGP season.

According to the source, the contract between the energy drink corporation and the Japanese manufacturer had a clause permitting termination in the event that Marquez left the squad. The six-time MotoGP champion and longtime Honda partner made the decision to sever ways with the company last month. Marquez is slated to join Ducati at the Gresini team starting from the conclusion of the 2023 season.

In a separate development, Mundo Deportivo reported last month that Repsol is anticipated to extend its sponsorship of Honda into 2024, marking the final year of their 30-year-long association.

Also Read: MotoGP: Alex Marquez Opens Up About Marc Marquez, Foresees a Crucial Year Ahead for Gresini Racing

MotoGP: Luca Marini to Repsol Honda?

Luca Marini looks to have been chosen as Repsol Honda's new rider for the 2024 MotoGP season after an exhaustive search of the whole MotoGP paddock for a worthy replacement for Marc Marquez. After eight-time world champion Marc Marquez quit Honda, team head Alberto Puig told DAZN during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend that three riders were being considered for the coveted factory HRC seat. Former Honda riders Pol Espargaro and VR46 Ducati's Marini were among those mentioned, as was current Gresini racer Fabio Di Giannantonio, who Marquez will replace.

On Friday, however, Espargaro eliminated himself from contention by announcing in Sepang that he would be remaining with KTM as a test rider, despite conversations with Puig. On Saturday in Sepang, Aldeguer met with VR46 team leaders after being linked to a possible Honda move for next year (albeit this was disputed by Puig earlier in the weekend).

It may come as a surprise that Marini has decided to join Honda, but he is reportedly motivated by a desire to prove his independence from Valentino Rossi's team rather than relying on his brother for support. In addition, if Marini were to switch to Honda, it would rekindle Rossi's ties to the Japanese manufacturer he abandoned 20 years ago after winning his maiden MotoGP championship.

Also Read: MotoGP Malaysian GP: Bastianini Wins Sepang Race as Bagnaia Extends Title Lead

MotoGP: Will Alex Rins Return for the Valencia Race?

The season has been a difficult one for Alex Rins, highlighted by a win in Austin (Honda's only win of the year) and Mugello, where he suffered a serious right leg injury that is still bothering him five months later.

The Spanish rider's tibia and fibula were broken, necessitating two operations soon after the accident. His slow recuperation was marked by constant agony in one area of his foot and total numbness in another. 

Rins showed toughness by finishing in a respectable tenth position in the upcoming Indonesian Grand Prix. However, he had to pull out of the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday due to increasing pain levels.

In the unlikely event that Rins is unable to compete in Valencia, it will be the first MotoGP event of the year without a full starting grid, highlighting the string of ailments that have dogged the season.

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