Marc Marquez Acknowledges Honda’s “Unbelievable” Progress, Fuels Speculation of Future Reunion

The MotoGP superstar hints at a potential return to Honda as he praises the team’s recent advancements in bike development.

Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, has expressed his admiration for Honda’s remarkable progress in bike development over the past few months. Marquez’s decision to request an early release from his contract with Honda was largely influenced by the struggles he faced with the RC213V, which had become one of the weakest bikes on the premier-class grid. However, Marquez’s recent comments and his one-year deal with Gresini Ducati have sparked speculation about a potential reunion with Honda as early as 2025. With Honda’s continuous efforts to refine the RC213V and the positive feedback from its current riders, Marquez’s words hint at the possibility of a future collaboration.

Unveiling Honda’s Progress:

In an exclusive interview with The Race MotoGP Podcast, Marquez expressed his astonishment at the significant changes made by Honda in the past three months. He commended the team’s transition to a new engine and various other modifications that have transformed the bike. Marquez, who maintains a strong relationship with his former team, acknowledged that he is unaware of all the details due to the competitive nature of the sport. However, he firmly believes in Honda’s capabilities and their ability to reclaim their position at the top.

Validation from Honda’s Current Riders:

The Race reached out to Honda’s current riders, Joan Mir and Johann Zarco, to gauge their perspective on the team’s progress. Both riders acknowledged the significant advancements made by Honda. Mir highlighted the bike’s improved performance in all areas compared to the previous version, while Zarco emphasized the positive atmosphere within the team. Zarco, who joined Honda as a newcomer, expressed his gratitude for arriving at a time when the team was experiencing a renewed sense of motivation and progress.

A Potential Reunion:

While the question of Marquez’s return to Honda remains unanswered, team manager Alberto Puig’s response at the 2024 launch event suggests that the possibility is not ruled out. Puig simply stated, “I don’t know,” leaving room for speculation. Marquez’s admiration for Honda’s recent efforts, coupled with his frustration with previous developments that led to his departure, hints at the potential for a reunion sooner rather than later. However, any potential return would depend on the continued improvement of the RC213V.

Conclusion:

Marc Marquez’s acknowledgment of Honda’s “unbelievable” progress in bike development has ignited speculation about a potential reunion between the MotoGP superstar and his former team. Honda’s recent advancements, as praised by Marquez and validated by its current riders, indicate a renewed sense of motivation and progress within the team. While the question of Marquez’s return remains uncertain, his admiration for Honda’s recent efforts suggests that a reunion could be on the horizon. As Honda continues to refine the RC213V, the possibility of Marquez once again donning the iconic Repsol Honda colors becomes an intriguing prospect for MotoGP fans worldwide.