Marquez revealed that, during the post-MotoGP test at , he focused mainly on improving his Gresini Ducati GP23 setup and lap times, while only briefly testing the 2025-spec Michelin tire to prepare for the next season.
While Marquez closed the gap to Jorge Martin in the overall standings to 53 points, he chose to focus on fine-tuning his current GP23 setup, even as the Ducati Lenovo factory team—his future team—worked on 2025-spec electronics during the test.The six-time MotoGP World Champion skillfully maneuvered through tricky conditions to overtake.
Marc Marquez, one of the most accomplished and enigmatic figures in MotoGP, continues to capture attention with his unique approach to racing and testing, especially in a season that has been nothing short of tumultuous for him and his team. As the 2023 MotoGP season advances, there has been a strong emphasis on testing new bikes, particularly with a future-focused eye on 2024 and 2025. However, Marquez, who was given the opportunity to test Honda’s prototype for 2025 at the Misano test in September, made headlines by focusing instead on improving his own lap time rather than concentrating solely on the new machine. His decision has sparked discussions about his motivations, current state of mind, and his role in the Honda team’s future.
To understand Marquez’s approach at the Misano test, it’s essential to consider the broader context of his 2023 season. The six-time MotoGP world champion has faced significant adversity over the last few years. After suffering from severe injuries in 2020, Marquez’s return to form has been met with setbacks, inconsistency, and frustration. The Honda RC213V, once the most formidable bike on the grid, has struggled to keep pace with its competitors, leaving Marquez in an unfamiliar position: racing mid-pack, fighting to stay competitive.
This season has been particularly frustrating for Marquez, not just because of the bike’s deficiencies but due to the pressure to deliver results. Honda’s inability to provide a winning package has raised questions about whether Marquez would remain with the team or seek opportunities elsewhere. Throughout the season, Marquez has hinted at his dissatisfaction, and rumors of a potential departure have swirled around the paddock. This backdrop provides significant insight into why Marquez chose to focus on his own performance at Misano.
The Misano test, held after the San Marino Grand Prix, was a critical moment for teams and riders as they begin preparations for the future. Honda, like other manufacturers, is in the process of developing its 2024 and 2025 machines, hoping to reverse its fortunes after a series of disappointing seasons. With Marquez as their star rider, much of the spotlight was on his performance and feedback regarding the 2025 prototype.
However, in a somewhat surprising move, Marquez shifted his attention from the long-term development of the bike to his immediate performance during the test. Rather than logging extensive laps on the 2025 prototype, he dedicated much of his time to refining his personal lap times on the current 2023 machine. This decision has raised several questions about his priorities and his current mindset as he navigates one of the most challenging periods of his illustrious career.
For Marquez, the Misano test represented more than just an opportunity to try out new machinery. It was a chance to focus on his craft and rediscover his own rhythm on the bike. Given the struggles of the season, it’s understandable that Marquez would want to work on his personal performance to rebuild confidence. Improving his lap times on a known machine, rather than testing a prototype, offered him a chance to hone his skills without the uncertainty of a brand-new bike under him.
This decision may also reflect a desire to send a message to Honda. While the team is eager to develop future models, Marquez’s choice to prioritize his own lap time suggests that he is acutely aware of the current problems that need addressing. By focusing on his individual performance, Marquez may be signaling that Honda must first solve the issues with the current bike before seriously contemplating future designs. In essence, improving the 2023 machine may be more pressing than putting energy into a distant 2025 model.
Additionally, there is the matter of Marquez’s personal pride and competitive nature. As a rider who is used to winning, it is likely that he sees value in improving his own form, particularly as he evaluates his options for the future. If Marquez were to leave Honda, his personal performance will be a key bargaining chip in negotiations with other teams. Thus, focusing on lap times could also be seen as an investment in his future, whether it’s with Honda or another manufacturer.
Marquez’s decision at Misano has also reignited speculation about his future with Honda. While he remains contracted with the Japanese manufacturer through 2024, his body language and comments throughout the year have indicated that he might be considering other options. The fact that he didn’t fully commit to testing the 2025 bike could be interpreted as a sign that he is unsure about the long-term project at Honda.
At the same time, Marquez’s focus on lap time rather than development testing does not necessarily mean he is disengaged from Honda’s future. It’s possible that he recognizes the limitations of the current situation and feels that improving his immediate performance is the best way to contribute to the team’s efforts.
Marc Marquez’s decision to focus on his lap times rather than testing Honda’s 2025 prototype at Misano is emblematic of a rider who is fiercely competitive and determined to extract the best from himself, even in difficult circumstances. His actions reflect both personal motivations—improving his own form—and strategic considerations regarding his future. Whether Marquez stays with Honda or seeks opportunities elsewhere, his approach at Misano underscores his focus on performance, adaptability, and the complexities of navigating a challenging phase in his career.