Six times MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez will leave Honda at the end of the 2023 season after both sides agreed to terminate their four-year contract a year early, the Japanese manufacturer said on Wednesday.
The separation ends an 11-year association between Marquez and Honda and clears the way for the 30-year-old Spaniard to ride a Ducati next year.
Climbing the ranks of the all-time greats together 🏆🤝
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 4, 2023
Let's take a deep dive into @marcmarquez93's achievements with @HRC_MotoGP over the years! 📊#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/mSUgYBr386
Marquez's younger brother Alex rides for Ducati's satellite Gresini Racing team and the team have been waiting for Marc to make a decision.
There was no immediate comment from the team on Wednesday.
"Both parties agreed it was in their best interests to each pursue other avenues in the future to best achieve their respective goals and targets," the Honda Racing Corporation statement said.
The Spaniard has struggled with injury and an uncompetitive bike this season, although he finished a season-high third in a rain-hit and shortened Japanese Grand Prix at the weekend.
Before that he had finished only three races with a best finish of seventh at Misano in Italy.
Honda have not been able to match the pace of the Ducati bikes, leading to Marquez attempting to ride his bike beyond its limits and crashing several times.
Marquez joined the Repsol Honda team in 2013 and has won 59 races with them as well as taken 101 podiums and 64 pole positions.
The essence of a unique and unrepeatable relationship 💯@marcmarquez93 sent @HRC_MotoGP a heartfelt message to announce the end of their partnership on social media ✍️#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/79l6EHn2di
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 4, 2023
His first victory in the top class was on a Honda in Austin, Texas, in 2013 – making him the youngest MotoGP winner on his way to becoming the youngest champion in the premier category.