What "unique" Marquez deal says about his and Honda's ambition
A four-year contract extension is unheard of in MotoGP - but that's exactly what Marc Marquez has in his back pocket from Honda. Even if the deal doesn't appease his detractors, it's still the option most likely to guarantee Marquez what he craves most
Honda announcing it had re-signed Marc Marquez for the 2021 season came as a surprise to no one. What was a shock was that Honda had gotten the six-time MotoGP world champion to commit to four more years with the RC213V.
HRC President Yoshishige Nomura called it a "unique deal" for a "unique champion", and the situation is certainly that - unique. Off the blocks, it is a master stroke from Honda.
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Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.
While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.
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