PROGRES.ID – Honda MotoGP rider Marc Marquez achieved a remarkable feat as he finished and climbed the podium in the MotoGP Japan race at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit on Sunday, October 1, 2023. However, this race was unusual as it was stopped due to heavy rain pouring over Motegi, and the red flag was raised on lap 13.
MotoGP Mandalika in Indonesia is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 15, 2023. Is Marquez ready to claim the podium in Mandalika? Marquez, who was the fastest rider at the start of the race, managed to secure a third-place finish in this challenging race. His podium achievement in Japan is extraordinary considering all the difficulties Marquez and the Honda team faced throughout 2023. It also marks Marquez’s first podium since nearly a year ago when he finished second at the 2022 Australian GP.
In a situation where rumors of Marquez’s departure from the Honda team continue to circulate, Marquez acknowledged the unusual circumstances for him.
“It’s super strange. You know the situation, especially for me. It’s not easy. I still show 100% commitment,” Marquez expressed, as quoted from Crash.net.
“I am grateful to Honda; they have been very supportive of me. We have a good relationship, and that is important. Therefore, I am always committed to giving 100% every time I go out on the track,” he added.
Marquez also emphasized that his decision about his future with Honda is firm, and his podium result in Japan will not change it. Although his contract with Honda ends in 2024, in recent times, the news of Marquez joining Gresini Ducati has become more prominent.
“No, today’s podium or the results in India, Misano, or Catalunya (won’t affect my decision). I have a clear mindset, and I know what needs to be done. We can say that today’s podium is a very romantic podium. It’s really nice,” he explained.
In the rain-soaked Motegi race, Marquez demonstrated his resilience. After successfully overtaking Marco Bezzecchi and leaving the Italian rider behind, Marquez was closing in on the race leaders before the race was halted. However, Marquez refrained from speculating about his chances of winning if the race had continued.
“Before the red flag was raised, I had already raised my hand because it was too dangerous. A very long wet race. When there was more water on the track, I started attacking, riding well, and passing riders,” he stated.
“Although I had the speed, the red flag needed to be raised because the race was too dangerous. There was no visibility and a lot of water. Race Direction made the right choice,” Marquez emphasized.
