UNITED KINGDOM: Honda has announced the termination of its contract with eight-time world champion Marc Marquez at the close of the 2023 season. Marquez, who has faced significant challenges this season with an underperforming Honda, is set to join Gresini Ducati in a bid to reclaim his position at the forefront of the racing field.
Speculation arose earlier this week when Autosport revealed that Miguel Oliveira, a former KTM rider and current RNF Aprilia competitor with five Grand Prix victories under his belt, is Honda’s favoured choice to succeed Marquez.
Oliveira, who clinched victory in last year’s Indonesian Grand Prix, commented on the situation, stating, “Anything is possible. It’s indeed a pleasure to be considered by another manufacturer as big as Honda, especially when it’s a factory seat on offer.”
Despite the potential opportunity, Oliveira emphasized that nothing concrete has materialized, expressing that he hadn’t initially considered a change. However, with the prospect of a factory seat, the dynamics of the situation could shift.
There has been a minor dispute regarding Oliveira’s existing contract with Aprilia. While it is believed that a clause enables Oliveira to depart after 2023 if a factory team extends an offer, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola asserted that contracts must be upheld. Oliveira himself evaded direct questions about the clause, revealing only, “It’s true that Aprilia has a right to offer me a factory seat for ’25 and ’26, not ’24.”
As the racing season progresses, all eyes are on Miguel Oliveira, currently in 13th place in the standings, ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix this weekend. Honda’s potential move to secure Oliveira suggests a calculated effort to bolster their lineup and strengthen their competitive edge in the coming seasons.
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