After four years of MotoGP, Repsol Honda press releases like “Marc Marquez to miss X Grand Prix” are becoming the standard. The six-time MotoGP champion will miss the Grand Prix of the Americas due to right hand injury from the Portugal season opening.
While hearing about an injured Marquez would not surprise many anymore, there’s been a change in the air within his camp, and a distinct feeling that the present scenario, and even the existing relationship with Honda, isn’t sustainable anymore.
Marquez will miss his 27th MotoGP race due to injury this weekend at his favorite Circuit of the Americas, a 49% absence rate since he seriously damaged his arm at the 2020 season’s first round at Jerez in July.
Such injuries and Honda riding issues are intertwined. He collapses more and more when he pushes and wants too much. Marquez looks to be pushing the bike too hard, from concussions and double vision in Mandalika after crashing in the warm-up to wiping out Miguel Oliveira in Portimao by locking the front tyre.
Marquez’s latest words, speeches, and documentary series show that he still wants to win.
Skipping a COTA start means missing another chance to win a race this year, and dropping 37 points means he’ll have a mountain to climb if his goal is the title rather than individual podium finishes.
The Spanish GP in Jerez at the end of the month may see a fresh RC213V chassis. HRC’s concession to build that chassis by German Moto2 specialist Kalex has received attention.
Test rider Stefan Bradl used it on a private trip at Jerez, and if he (likely) replaces Marquez this weekend, it might make its racing debut before the Spanish GP weekend.
Even if it improves much, it’s unlikely to restore Honda’s frontrunning potential every weekend. It’s a band-aid after years of Honda disregarding the world and neglecting frame design.
MotoGP nowadays is aerodynamic. Wings and fairings can’t be added to a bike. Integrate it right away. Honda is ignorant.
It requires more than a new frame—Honda must restructure its bike manufacturing process. KTM, Ducati, and Aprilia have done that, and Marquez must realize that.
His Honda link will attract other manufacturers. Considering his Red Bull connections, KTM may be the most likely option, but other teams may be interested.
His four-year, highly compensated Honda contract runs from 2021 through 2024. The six-time MotoGP champion now prioritizes success above money. It’s not unreasonable to buy out of his contract rather than risk another season of injury for no return.
If Honda wants to keep the one MotoGP rider who can win, the ball is in their court.