MotoGP: Marc Marquez: “There is a deadline” for 2024 decision

Marc Marquez discusses his future “three plans” after trying the 2024 bike for the first time.

Marc Marquez has made his first comments after riding the 2024 Honda at the Misano mid-season test. He also gave some thoughts on his future and when he will make his decision for next year.

Marquez only tested the new frame and aerodynamics package in the morning session and had yet to try the new engine. However, problems seem to remain the same with the Honda continuing to struggle with rear grip.

“It was a very different riding position and feeling but in the end, the main problems are more or less the same.”

Reported by motogp.com Marquez later expanded on the issues, explaining that the test bike was far away from what he was expecting.

“The riding style is quite different but, in the end, the problems are the same, so we need to keep working. Of course, you always expect more. If this is the base, if this the bike, then we are far. We need to work and change many things.”

At the end of the morning test first session at Misano, Marquez finished in 17^th position (second-last). He was ahead of his teammate, Joan Mir who was last with both riders over a second slower than first. The Repsol Honda duo completed over 60 laps combined in the opening session.

“We cannot say an improvement as the lap times are similar and what I evaluate is the performance on the race track. At least I seen new faces, new people, new engineers and we need some time.”

It is believed that one of Marquez’s main demands was to get new staff in the pit box this season. Honda has brought in some engineers from the Formula 1 paddock, to work on aerodynamics.

With potential options to move away from Repsol Honda, Marquez is yet to make a decision on his future. He will not make any decisions during the test as he waits for time to reflect on three options.

“I cannot make any decisions today (on his future) I need time and to relax to understand everything” Although he will not decide immediately he added that he could “not wait until Valencia, it will need to be much earlier”

Marquez later admitted to motogp.com that he would make a decision around India/Japan at the end of the month. “There’s plan A, plan B, and plan C, which I previously mentioned as two, there are three.

“I have the three plans, the three ideas very clear, I am clear about what needs to happen for each of them. But there isn’t much time. There is a deadline. Around India, Japan I will decide.”

Image credit: motogp.com