Here's Honda's Favourite to Replace Marc Marquez in 2024
Categories: MotoGP
Published: 10th October 2023
After announcing Marc Marquez’s exit, Honda is searching for a replacement which they might have found in Miguel Oliveira.
In a surprising turn of events, Honda made a significant announcement last Wednesday. The Japanese powerhouse revealed a mutual agreement with the legendary eight-time world champion, Marc Marquez, to part ways at the end of the 2023 season.
This rather unexpected decision effectively shortens Marquez’s tenure with Honda by a year, bringing to a close an illustrious 11-year chapter.
During his tenure with Honda, Marquez achieved unparalleled success, clinching six MotoGP world titles, an impressive 59 Grand Prix victories, and an astounding 101 podium finishes.
His departure leaves a void in the Honda camp, prompting speculation about his next move in the fiercely competitive world of motorcycle racing.
Rumors are rife within the MotoGP community regarding Marquez’s future destination. While nothing has been officially confirmed, Marquez is heavily eyeing the year-old Ducati of the Gresini Racing Team.
With Marquez’s departure, the focus now shifts to the candidate most likely to fill his esteemed boots at Honda. Among the contenders, Miguel Oliveira, the current RNF Aprilia rider, emerges as a strong possibility.
Oliveira’s credentials in the MotoGP arena, coupled with his experience riding prominent European bikes such as KTM and Aprilia, have captured the attention of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).
A compelling factor adding weight to Oliveira’s candidacy is Honda’s commercial partnership with Repsol, a connection that could prove influential, especially given Oliveira is Portuguese.
While the prospect of greater financial incentives at Honda is alluring, Oliveira faces a dilemma. He must weigh the potential benefits of a move against leaving behind a successful setup with Aprilia’s RS-GP, a bike that has consistently demonstrated its prowess on the track.
