“Bye bye Honda.” The reigning MotoGP World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia was therefore right at a press conference after the Japanese Grand Prix last week, when he allowed himself this little remark after a response from Marc Marquez. The eight-time motorcycle world champion (one title in 125 cc, one in Moto2 and six in MotoGP) and the Japanese brand Honda Racing Corporation announced this Wednesday the end of their collaboration, “by mutual agreement”, according to the press release published by Honda.
Fifty-nine victories at Honda
“With one year remaining on the four-year contract between HRC and Marc Marquez, both parties have agreed to end the collaboration at the end of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season. Both parties consider that this decision is best for everyone’s interests in the future so that everyone achieves their goals and objectives,” the statement continued.
This decision ends an eleven-year collaboration between the rider and his team, crowned with six MotoGP world championship titles, 59 victories, 101 podiums and 64 pole positions. “HRC wishes Marc Marquez the best in his future adventures,” concluded Honda. “Thank you for this long journey, 11 years! Separated, but always together,” reacted the former world champion who should join a Ducati satellite team, barring any surprises.