His statements in this 2022 season where he already no longer believes in his title chances show that Marc Marquez is fundamentally changed. Formerly exceptional, he has slightly lowered the slider to the remarkable mention, having become aware of a physical state lastingly impacted by his repeated injuries and of a Honda which is not up to the level, and which he cannot eternally transfigure by his talent alone. The conqueror of the impossible does not give up, he manages while waiting for better days. He also knows that at 29 years old, this wait could be detrimental to him. So retirement is no longer a taboo subject. He mentioned it again after a French Grand Prix from which he was only able to take home a sixth place. He does not say when he will lay down his arms, but he mentions that he is already there where he will announce it. And his contract ends there in 2024…
This is a new interview given by Marc Marquez to be credited to a feeling of weariness which currently envelops the official Honda. He thus seems to approach this 2022 season as a crossroads. Spotted by Mowmag, the interview given to LaCaja of DAZN repeats certain strong themes on which the eight-time world champion dwells and which reveal a doubt which grows with each Grand Prix that passes…
Among the key moments, we can read this conviction that “ running knowing you can't win makes no sense. Might as well stop and ride on Sunday with amateurs. I'm here to compete and celebrate victories again. Will I win another title? I don't know »... Marc Marquez continues: “ I try to force my riding style to better adapt it to the bike and above all not to suffer physically, and I realize that I'm driving in a strange way ». Marc Marquez does not hide that he is worried, his shoulder is giving him problems, he admits it and everyone who lives in the paddock has noticed it. However, giving up is something that does not exist in the eight-time world champion's DNA, even if he admits to having thought about it during the worst moments of his convalescence.
Marc Marquez: “ when I think of my farewell to racing, I think of it with Honda and Team Repsol«
And then there is this Honda... " The perfect motorcycle does not exist he acknowledges. " So, of course, when you look at your opponents' bikes you always tend to see only the good in them, but the fault, that something that doesn't go the way you want it to, they all have it. We just have to work and with Honda we do it ».
An effort that will only end with the career of Marc Marquez which thus closes all speculation about a new challenge when his contract with HRC ends in 2024: “ it's true that the idea of changing teams and winning with another bike is a stimulant for many riders, but for me the incentive is different. Now, for example, it is about finding the best condition and refining the bike to return to victory and competition for the positions that count. And if I think of my farewell to racing, I think of it with Honda and Team Repsol, the best team in the world ". It's probably not for tomorrow, but if you listen to it carefully, it doesn't seem that far away anymore.
