MotoGP is currently on a summer break and while there are many things to talk and report about, we are going to concentrate on the biggest headline from last month. The curious case of Marc Marquez and his future with Repsol Honda. There are clear signs that the relationship between the two parties isn't as cheery as it used to be. Is it the end of the road for the six-time MotoGP champion at Honda then? Or, is there still some hope for a strong comeback? And, if Marquez does decide to part ways with Honda before 2024, what are his options? Let's speculate!
But, first up, what is it that's caused Honda and Marquez's relationship hit rock bottom?
Well, you have only got to look at Marquez's results from this year to understand that. In the eight races so far, Marquez hasn't finished a single race (main GP) this season! He managed to score pole position and a thirdplace Sprint finish in the opening round at Portimao (Portugal), but it has gone downhill since. In the main race at Portugal, Marquez was involved in a controversial crash where he took Jorge Martin and Miguel Oliveira out along with him. More than the controversy, though, Marquez ended up hurting himself - unsurprisingly - and missed the next three rounds of Argentina, America, and Jerez (Spain). He returned at Le Mans, albeit yet again failed to finish the race, let alone score points. Marquez crashed out in the closing stages of the French GP while contesting for a podium place with Martin. And that wasn't the end of his woes. Marquez crashed out of the race in the next round at Mugello (Italy) in more or less the same fashion again in a week's time. However, it was at Sachsenring (Germany) when the cracks in Marquez and Honda's partnership started surfacing, and how!
This story is from the July 2023 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GOOD OLD DAYS...
Is the old Marc Marquez finally back? The race in Jerez surely gave flashes of it...
Prancing Off-Road
The SUV trend has even caught on with Ferrari, which is evident with the introduction of the Purosangue. However, does a Ferrari of this type really make sense?
Ahead of the Curve
There's not one but two new GT variants available with the Volkswagen Taigun now, meaning there's one for everyone!
SPACE WARS
There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?
GOING BIG
The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?
HAMMER TIME
The new Gurkha 5-door comes with updated styling, improved performance, and better features. So, do these changes make it the practical 'proper' off-roader we've all been waiting for?
MOUNTAIN GOAT
With a mid-life facelift, the Jeep Wrangler has received several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly live up to the reputation of being unstoppable
SUPERSPORT TRILOGY
We embark on a 300km journey on three of the finest supersport twins in the world. Which one would reign supreme at the end?
SECOND WIND
Bajaj is once again stirring the pot with the updated Pulsar N250. But has it nailed the recipe this time around?
PASSION & Precision
A brand new V12 supercar! In this era of downsizing & electrification, that's about as rare as seeing a total eclipse and the Northern Lights on the same day. But if the V12 remains the heart & soul of the automobile, well, then, Ferrari is its saviour.
