Marc Marquez has outlined when he will make a decision on his MotoGP future after noting “the problems are still the same” on the new Honda he tested on Monday. Marquez has a contract with Honda for 2024 but speculation about him cutting ties with the Japanese manufacturer for next year has been rife amid its ongoing struggles in MotoGP this season. During the San Marino Grand Prix weekend, Marquez became embroiled in rumours that he will join Gresini Ducati next season. He repeatedly stated when asked that he has a contract for 2024, while both Honda and Gresini played down these rumours. Marquez got his first taste of the 2024 Honda prototype on Monday at the post-race Misano test and was 17th at the end of session one and a second off the pace.
MotoGP: Marc Marquez's Impression on 2024 Honda Bike
After testing Honda’s 2024 RC213V for the first time, Marques said, "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 is the bike, then we are far. We need to work and change many things. It’s true that there are new engineers. They’ve started with this new bike then they will start working. They’ve not been working on this new project for a long time. Let’s see if they can make a step."
Also Read: MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo 'Expected More Power' from 2024 Yamaha Engine During Misano Test
"An engineer has come, I believe he's from aerodynamics, who used to work more in Formula 1, and we have also tested new aerodynamics. When I stop in the pit, I talk to a different face. They haven't introduced me to him yet, but I think he's the new Project Leader. Although they haven't made it clear to me," added Marquez.
"There's plan A, plan B, and plan C, which I previously mentioned as two, there are three. I have the three plans, and the three ideas are 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," said Marquez.
MotoGP: Marc Marquez to split with Honda?
In the next three weeks, Marc Marquez will announce where he will be racing in 2024. He said during the Misano Test on Monday that he would make his selection between the Indian and Japanese Grands Prix. "There's plan A, plan B, and plan C, which I previously mentioned as two, there are three," said Marquez. "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."
During the Misano test, Honda unveiled their first 2024 prototype for their Factory and satellite team riders, primarily featuring a new chassis design. The engine was, for the most part, identical to the one he has been using in the 2023 season. While Quartararo will explain why finishing 14th on the timesheets at the Misano test meant nothing, Marquez's words did not bode well for his future with Honda.
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