One of the hot topics of the 2023 season was Marc Marquez’s decision to leave Repsol Honda and head to Gresini Racing in 2024, where he will team up with his brother again, after having already been together in the premier class at the official EUIPA HRC.
And among the many rumors that emerged before any official confirmation, was the alleged possibility of Gigi Dall’Igna heading to Honda, as an enticing factor for Marc Marquez to stay. After the long race in Thailand, the Spanish rider was asked to comment on this possibility saying that the decision is made and that, now, it doesn’t matter:
– Well, I don’t know if it was a possibility or not. The decision is made, so I’m not going to talk about the ifs. The decision has been made. As you can see now, I’m freer, just riding the bike without worrying about anything and I’m just trying to keep the intensity in these last few races. The result can be better or worse, but I’m trying to keep the intensity in the riding, because that way, when I go to the new project, I’ll have pace. Will it be enough? I don’t know, but at least I’ll be prepared.
The 8-time world champion also said he lost a lot of time. In the fight with Aleix Espargaro and who when he was overtaken by Fabio Quartararo thought it would be possible to fight with the French rider, but ended up resigning himself to finishing the race without taking risks:
– Yes, we lost a second and a half on a lap. Then he had more pace, especially on the hard rear tyre. Yesterday I beat him, today he beat me, but he was especially fast at the end when Fabio (Quartararo) overtook me. I was able to catch him again and I thought I was ready for the last lap, but then I saw that I was riding over the limit, and it was important to finish the race, so I stayed calm.
Finally, when asked about Yamaha’s decision not to let Toprak Razgatlıoğlu test BMW at the end of the season, Marquez recalled Valentino Rossi and stated that it all depends on the relationship with the team:
– For me, it depends on your relationship (with the team) and the way you do things. For example, I said, and it’s another factor, I have a very good relationship with Honda. I know that in the past when Rossi left Honda for Yamaha, they blocked (testing). It’s the way you do things. I’ve never had it against Honda, ever. We were always talking very calmly and trying to find the best for the project, always, and trying to understand the situation. And yes, Honda, the staff, have a very human side and this relationship is 11 years together. I can’t give my opinion if we don’t know what’s going on inside. I’m just happy with my situation and I want to thank Honda once again for allowing me to test the new bike.