What Luigi Dall’Igna said when asked if he’s ‘worried’ about Marc Marquez rejoining Honda

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Marc Marquez clinched his seventh MotoGP world championship at Motegi, Honda’s home circuit. Even though he’s now won with Ducati, his emotional connection to the Japanese giants remains.

It’s possible that Marquez is more likely to return to Honda in light of his success at Borgo Panigale. He’s proven to himself that he can win again, which was his main reason for leaving in the first place.

Marquez spent the first 11 seasons of his MotoGP career with Honda, winning six world championships. Some believe he wants to return before he retires, a Hollywood conclusion.

Of course, Alberto Puig’s squad must be fast enough to tempt him. While they remain in the bottom two of the championship, Joan Mir scored the factory team’s first podium since Marquez’s departure last weekend.

Luigi Dall’Igna focused on ‘savouring’ his time with Marc Marquez

In an interview with AS after Marquez’s Japanese GP coronation, Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna was asked whether he’s ‘worried’ about Honda luring his superstar rider away.

Marquez’s contract expires at the end of next year, which puts him in line with most of the grid. He will turn 33 during the off-season, so it’s unclear how many more contracts he intends to sign.

A former Honda colleague believes Marquez will only retire when he feels he’s no longer the best. Based on his performances this year, that could still be a few years away.

Dall’Igna didn’t sound particularly confident about keeping Marquez long-term, saying: “In the meantime, I’m enjoying it and savouring the time we’re together. After that, who knows what will happen.”

Up to this point, Francesco Bagnaia has faced an uncertain future amid an alarming drop-off in results. But if Bagnaia’s dominant Motegi weekend is indeed a turning point, an extension would suddenly feel like a formality.

How Honda reacted to Marc Marquez winning the title

Honda dedicated a social media post to Marquez after he sealed the championship.

They wrote: “Congratulations from everyone at Honda HRC to Marc Marquez and his team. It has been a journey of a thousand miles and we are delighted to see you back on top of the world with a ninth World Championship.”

Some Honda staff were ’emotional’ on Sunday because they’d seen what Marquez had been through at the start of the decade, when he underwent four surgeries in two years. The Spaniard embraced members of his former team.

Marquez could rejoin Honda if he wins another title next year, because a 10th Grand Prix would see him become the most successful rider of the modern era, ahead of Valentino Rossi. With the most important goal achieved, he could afford to follow his heart.