“It’s more theory than practice”

Factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez has played down the prospect of a future return to Honda in MotoGP, describing the idea as “more theory than practice”.

Despite ending his Honda deal a year early to join Gresini for the 2024 season, the seven-time MotoGP champion parted with the Japanese manufacturer on amicable terms.

Marquez initially left the door open to a possible reunion with the Japanese manufacturer, but any return was always expected to depend on Honda’s recovery following its worst season in the modern MotoGP era in 2023.

Honda has since made incredible progress, scoring one victory and four podiums during the 2025 campaign and moving into Group C of the concessions system alongside Aprilia and KTM.

However, Marquez’s own resurgence with Ducati has reduced the likelihood of him looking elsewhere, with the Borgo Panigale marque giving him the tools to win the world championship after years of struggling on uncompetitive Honda machinery.

It is widely expected that the Spaniard will extend his stay with Ducati on a further two-year deal, which would rule out a return to Honda until at least 2029, when he will be 36.

Asked about the possibility of rejoining Honda in the future in November, particularly in light of the regulation changes slated for 2027, Marquez said: “It’s more theory than practice. I’m not going to make any decisions while I’m injured or not on the bike. It’s an important decision, unless I’m absolutely sure about it. 

“I’m in a good place right now, I’m back on top, and it’s time to make the right decisions and be selfish, thinking only of myself. 

“In 2027, no one can guarantee you the best bike. When it’s tested, everything will be decided. You’ll have to trust your instincts. It will be a year in which everything is up for grabs. You have to manage it in the best way possible.»

When the same question about Honda was put to him again at Ducati’s Campioni in Festa event in December, Marquez added: “It’s clear that we have the fastest bike for next year, and that’s the most important thing.

“For 2027 and 2028, however, everything is up in the air. Obviously, the number one priority is to be fast, and I know that I can be fast at Ducati, but I have to figure out a lot of things and decide what’s best for me.”

Motorsport.com reported last month that Ducati and Marquez first began discussing a contract renewal before the start of the Asian tour, and prior to him sealing the title in Japan.

While there is a clear willingness from both parties to reach a new agreement, Marquez’s market value has risen to levels comparable with his peak years at Honda, complicating negotiations for Ducati.

Marquez stated there is an “eight out of 10” chance that he will remain at Ducati for the start of the next regulation cycle in 2027.

Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

“I would say eight [out of 10], but I’m only one part of it,” he said. “In 2025 and 2026, we are working to win, all the parties want to win, and that’s the most important thing for 2027 and 2028. 

“I need to take these two weeks, first of all because I haven’t had time for myself. I had a physically and mentally stressful November and December because of all the commitments I had. 

“Now I’m taking two weeks to think about my future, make the right decision, or what I think is best for me.”

Marquez highlighted that he remains on good terms with his previous teams, mentioning how special it was for him to have former Honda team-mate Joan Mir alongside him on the podium when he clinched his ninth overall world title at Motegi.

“I have always tried to be close to all the teams I have been with, and finish in the best possible way. It’s easy when something is honest,” he said.

“In Japan, it was like a divine intervention that dictated it had to be this way, with my team, Ducati, and the team I had at HRC, on the podium. 

“I’m [also] very happy with where Alex [Marquez] has taken the Gresini team.»

Additional reporting by Matteo Nugnes

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