BREAKING NEWS: MARC MARQUEZ ANNOUNCE AN EMERGENCY LEAVE TODAY…

I am not a fan of repackaging social media posts to build an entire story around. I know it is common practice in the industry, but it strikes me as a form of what is referred to as churnalism: reproducing content without providing any thought or context, just to drive up website hits.

However, there is as much chance of me getting a reaction directly from Marc Marquez in person as there is of me being offered the seat at Repsol Honda as his replacement. There are a lot of people who will want to speak to him, and as far as I can tell, nobody has succeeded so far. Not even Dorna, who have contractual rights to speak to riders almost whenever they like, have managed to get an interview. Most likely, we will all have to wait until Mandalika, a little over a week from now.

So the only exposure to Marc Marquez’ own words are via his social media channels. There have been two posts today. The first was quite clearly crafted by his PR team, and is the obligatory (if heartfelt) expression of gratitude and appreciation.

The second, however, is far more interesting, and much more authentic. It also gives a clear insight into the reasons Marquez is leaving. The post is embedded below, and below that is my translation of his words.

Here’s the English version of what the text says:

I want to share with you a message I sent to a member of the team

I don’t know where to start, I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing or the wrong thing, I don’t know what will happen in the future, I don’t know if any of this will end well, but what I do know is everything we have achieved together.
This has been the most difficult decision of my life, guided by my head and my courage, NOT by my heart. The team I have in my heart will always be you, who were with me ALWAYS, who have supported me and are still supporting me. But there is one thing I am clear about, I want to try to be the best rider in the world again, and to do this, I have to start enjoying riding the bike.
I applied a theory by the mountaineer in that book that you gave me to read. If you can climb Everest in 3 days, why do it in 5? Logically, it’s much more risky to climb it in 3 days, you expose yourself more and maybe you don’t succeed, but if you don’t try, you will never know. You always told me this, and I always applied it: follow your instinct, in character and balls, nobody can beat you.
Finally, I have to let the heart speak and, as you well know, our relationship is very special, for this reason I hope our paths will cross again. We’re going to enjoy the last 6 parties which we still have left this year.

We can only guess who this text is aimed at. It would certainly seem to confirm reporting by Motorsport.com’s Oriol Puigdemont that Marquez will not be able to take any of his team with him, most of whom have been with him since Moto2. But the name of the intended recipient is not important. What is important are the reasons given in the post.

Marc Marquez is leaving because his desire to win is outweighing his patience. He wants to compete for race wins and championships again, and he can’t wait around for Honda to fix the RC213V and make it competitive again. The regret he expresses at leaving his team behind is a sign of just how much this move is costing him emotionally, and also of just how much he wants to win again.

That was also the message from his brother. Alex Marquez posted an Instagram story (which disappear after 24 hours, and reposted by journalist Tammy Gorali on Twitter), with words of encouragement:

I know that today has been a difficult day for you, but you are brave, and life rewards those who show courage. Few people know exactly what you’ve been through since 2020, and now it’s time to go back to enjoying 100% the thing you love most.