Marc Marquez To Stay With Honda

Repsol Honda has just announced that reigning MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez will be extending his contract with the team for two more years. The four-time world champion joined the team in 2013 as a rookie and bagged his first premier class crown in that year itself. Ever since then the Spaniard has only lost a title race once, back in 2015.

The new contract is set to begin from 2019 and will end at the tailend of 2020. It will also mark the Spaniard's eighth season with the team. As expected, this year, Marquez will look to defend his title and add another trophy to his collection.

“I’m excited to continue to race for Honda’s factory team in the MotoGP class,” said Marquez. “I’m proud to race as a member of the Honda family, and I appreciate how Honda and the team always do their best to provide me with everything I need. I would also like to thank everyone who has given me such warm support over the years. The first two official tests went well and, with my contract renewed, I can focus on racing in the new season. I will continue to enjoy racing, share my joy with everybody and do my best to reach our shared goals. Thank you!”

 Speaking on the same, Yoshishige Nomura, HRC President, commented, “I am very pleased that Marc Márquez will continue to ride for our factory team. Márquez has consistently pushed himself to the limit and matured as a rider, and given Honda many titles. We were able to announce the contract renewal at such an early stage due to our mutual trust, and our common passion for racing.”

The Spaniard struggled in the first half of the last season, finishing fourth in Qatar, which was followed by a crash in Argentina. His first win came in Texas, and soon after he finished second behind his teammate Pedrosa at Jerez. Marquez suffered another crash in France and only picked up pace after finishing on the podium in the Netherlands.

After consecutive wins in Germany and Czech Republic, he narrowly lost to Dovizioso in Austria. Dovizioso grabbed another victory at Silverstone, which tied the pair on points. The results in Malaysia meant Valencia would decide the winner. Having started the race at pole, Marquez narrowly avoided a crash at turn one, dropping from 1st to 5th. However, only moments later, Dovizioso crashed at turn eight, handing the title to Marquez.

Honda would like to carry the momentum heading into the next season and with Marquez’ contract extension, everything seems to be going to plan at the Repsol Honda camp.

Source: zigwheels.com