The MotoGP world is full of speculation as Marc Márquez and Jorge Martin face crucial decisions about their future teams. Livio Suppo, former team manager of Repsol Honda, recently shared his thoughts on this risky rider market in an interview with Relevo.
Marc Márquez’s potential: Despite a challenging period with Honda, Márquez has shown resilience and determination. Currently in third place in the championship standings with 89 points, Suppo believes Márquez has the ability to compete for the title if he gets a factory bike. “Marc is one of the best riders of all time and has the ability to ride exceptionally well,” Suppo said. “After four years of challenges, he wants to win again, and I think he can do it. This year, he definitely has the chance to fight for the title.”
The rise of Jorge Martin: Meanwhile, Jorge Martin has emerged as a formidable contender, leading the championship with 129 points. Suppo recognizes Martin’s talent and his fit with Ducati. “Martin is very fast and, despite his youth, has great control of the Ducati. It would be a mistake for Ducati to let him go,” Suppo commented.
The Ducati Dilemma: Ducati faces a tough decision on who will join Pecco Bagnaia in the factory team. Both Márquez and Martin have shown their potential in Le Mans, making the choice difficult. Suppo suggests promoting Martin to the official team while giving Márquez a factory-supported bike. This strategy could maximize Ducati’s competitive advantage.
The challenges of Repsol Honda: Suppo also commented on the likelihood of Martin joining Repsol Honda if he doesn’t secure a spot at Ducati. Given Honda’s current difficulties, he considers this scenario unlikely. “It’s difficult for a winning rider to sign with Honda at this time,” observed Suppo.
Perspectives for the future: As the 2024 MotoGP season progresses, the decisions of Márquez and Martin will have a significant impact on the championship landscape. Fans and teams eagerly await the resolution of these high-stakes negotiations, which promise to bring exciting changes to the grid.
