Marc Marquez Opens Up About Tough Decision to Leave Honda Amid Mental Health Concerns…
In a candid revelation, Marc Marquez has disclosed the challenging conversation he had with Honda, where he expressed that another year with the team would spell the end of his career.
Marquez, who clinched six MotoGP titles with Honda, made the bold choice to depart the team and join Gresini Ducati this season. The move has seen him enjoy a resurgence, contrasting sharply with his struggles in the previous year, where he endured numerous crashes.
Reflecting on his departure from Honda with a year remaining on his contract, Marquez admitted, “It wasn’t an easy decision. It wasn’t about following my heart; it was about what’s best for my future.”
Detailing the toll his decision took, Marquez emphasized, “The Repsol Honda team was my life, my career. It was incredibly tough. My mechanics, technicians, sponsors—they were all there.”
He further revealed, “I told them, ‘Maybe I’ll stay for one more year here and then retire because my mental health would suffer.’ So, I made this decision. Now, I can focus on choosing which team to ride for next year!”
Joining Gresini has revitalized Marquez’s spirit, evident in his renewed enthusiasm. “I’m enjoying it,” he expressed. “It’s a different feeling to approach a weekend aiming for the top 10, top five, or fighting for the podium.”
“This is why I made this decision—to prove to myself if I’m still competitive,” Marquez added. “And the answer is yes, I am. Now, I’m competitive enough to battle for the top positions with the best riders. That’s what makes me happy.”
In the 2024 season’s initial three rounds, Marquez has secured two second-place finishes in sprint races and a fourth-place finish in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, his former team continues to struggle, with three Hondas failing to finish the Americas MotoGP last weekend. Luca Marini, Marquez’s replacement at Repsol Honda, finds himself among the few MotoGP riders without a point this season, painting a stark contrast to Marquez’s renewed success.
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