Misano MotoGP test, Marquez: “The new Honda? The problems are the same”

At today’s MotoGP test at Misano, attention is largely focused on Marc Marquez following recent rumours regarding his possible departure from Honda. The eight-time world champ has been riding the 2024 version of the RC213V and has provided some initial feedback, which says a lot about the current situation with the Japanese manufacturer.

 

Marquez: “If this is the base, there are many things still to change”

“The 2024 bike is quite different to the current one and requires a different riding style, but the problems we're noticing are more or less the same ones we already know”, admits the Spaniard. “The riding position is pretty different and at first it felt strange, but I soon got comfortable seeing as the engine is the same, even if the frame and geometries have changed.”

“We expect more and more from Honda, but we’re working and the important thing now is to collect data and information” continues #93, who has also noticed some new faces in the garage. “There are new engineers, one in particular who I’ve never seen before and who I think comes from F1, but I made these initial laps without listening to anyone, because I didn’t want to be influenced. If this is the starting point for 2024, we’re still a long way off and there is a lot to change.”

 

“The future? I’ll decide between India and Japan”

“We can clearly take a step forward seeing as we still have time before the start of the new season”, concludes Marc, who also sets himself a deadline for making a decision as to his future. “I know there are many rumours about my possible departure, but I don’t want to rush. I’ll decide between India and Japan.”