The summer break is underway in MotoGP, and this is an opportunity to take stock of what has happened in order to consider what could happen next. All with up-to-date software. And the idea that is starting to become dominant is that, to win, it is ultimately better to think about who rather than with what. It’s the Marc Marquez effect. Who will be free for the 2021 season…
At Yamaha, the subject is taboo, at Suzuki, we took a youth card, while at Aprilia, we don't even think about it. To what? poach Marc Márquez of Honda, the best driver of the moment. He is on his way to an eighth absolute coronation, and as he will still be on the RC213V next year, we can say that the ninth is possible at the end of 2020.
Afterwards, the contract will have to be renegotiated. And see how this tenth crown could take shape. An important deadline which would put Marc Márquez before Valentino Rossi, blocked at nine coronations. Will the Cervera pilot favor this course or will he take on a new challenge? In the second hypothesis, two manufacturers are ready to break the bank to bring in the champion.
This is Ducati which would welcome its best enemy for three years with open arms. Over the 17 years of MotoGP history, Ducati's record is meager: Only one title, taken by Casey Stoner in 2007, a unique rider, with an aggressive style that fit perfectly with the Italian bike. Since then, nothing, except the vice-world champion places ofAndrea Dovizioso.
There is also KTM. In Mattighofen, the idea is in mind: “ thank goodness, the rider is still very important in motorcycles " said Stefan pierer, CEO of KTM. “ To be honest, Marc Márquez is an exceptional driver. No doubt he would be able to win with our equipment ».
« It's not because of the level of our bike. It's a question of budget. The best pilot has the best salary. He can justify it because he is the best. We need to improve our product. If we improve it, anything is possible. Until we have it, we must reduce the difference with others ».
What will happen once the 2021 season ends? If all is well and Márquez has 10 titles in his pocket, the Catalan may want to face new challenges, such as that of obtaining one or more titles with another brand: Ducati and KTM are already waiting for him…
