Germany was presented as the best possible barometer to gauge the health of the Marc Marquez/Honda partnership. It was once virtually unbeatable, taking six MotoGP crowns out of seven between 2013 and 2019. But the conclusion drawn from last weekend's visit to the Sachsenring, where previously he had nothing but victories, is that the best option for his future is to consider going elsewhere.
In a day and a half, the Spaniard made two decisions that, knowing him even just a little, were undoubtedly the most painful he has had to face in his life.
The first was to back off in the sprint race, so as not to crash for the fifth time. After crossing the finish line in 11th, Marquez explained: "The balance didn't pay off. To risk for a podium is worth it, to finish seventh or tenth is not worth it."
The crash he was trying to avoid on Saturday came the following day during the warm-up, and was caused by his bike's electronics. On a left-hand turn, Marquez was thrown into the air, started to roll in the gravel and ended up being hit by his bike.
During a visit to the track's medical centre, he was diagnosed with a small fracture in the thumb of his left hand, as confirmed by championship medical director Angel Charte. Despite the injury, Marquez got medical clearance to race, and that is why it was even more remarkable that an hour before the lights went out, he decided to withdraw and try again the following week at Assen.
Before meeting with reporters, Marquez locked himself in the motorhome with his team and met with Tetsuhiro Kuwata, HRC's director, who declined to make any statement on the matter.
"I don't feel ready to race," said the Honda rider, his face unhinged and almost disbelieving the decision he had just taken.
In this sense, no one should be misled: the reason that made Marquez decide not to take part in the race was neither the fracture in his hand nor the multiple bruises he had accumulated as a result of the repeated crashes. He did it out of frustration and because, after having always been cordial and respectful with Honda, he understood that there was no other way but to say enough was enough, to convey to the Japanese brand that he has reached his limit with the situation.
Source: Autosport