Marc Marquez has a ‘special bond’ with one Ducati employee and it could stop him rejoining Honda

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Marc Marquez has revealed the Ducati team member with whom he has a “special bond”, which could derail Honda’s hopes of reuniting with the seven-time premier class champion before he calls it quits on his MotoGP career.

When Marquez made his emotional goodbye speech to his Honda colleagues in 2023, he wasn’t sure how much longer he would be a member of the MotoGP paddock.

Marquez’s motive behind the move to Ducati was based on his need to find out if he still had what it takes to challenge for a title after a years-long period of injuries and rehabilitation.

Less than two years later, the 32-year-old is back on the pedestal he has spent the majority of his career on as the world champion.

He secured his seventh MotoGP title at the most recent round of racing in Japan, and will be looking to add to his tally next year before his contract expires with the factory team at the end of 2026.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Ducati from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy

Marc Marquez reveals the ‘special bond’ he has with Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna

Many riders on the MotoGP grid hold a high regard for Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna, with Luca Marini recently sharing how much respect he has for him and his work ethic.

The Italian engineer has played an integral part in the emergence of Ducati’s superiority since the start of the new decade, and Marquez has recently expressed how big an impact Dall’Igna made on his maiden season with the Borgo Panigale-based team.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport following his triumph at Motegi, Marquez said, “I think the key was the relationship I built with the team: I arrived and found a perfect team from a human standpoint.

“I have a special bond with Gigi Dall’Igna, an honest, very direct relationship. We talk about everything: I believe in him, and Gigi and Ducati believe in me. I felt part of the team from day one.”

The deep respect goes both ways, with Dall’Igna recently expressing his awe regarding Marquez’s skill on two wheels.

The relationship is sure to worry Honda, who must be keen on securing Marquez’s signature once again as he enters what are presumed to be his final years in the sport.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend

Marc Marquez’s bond with Luigi Dall’Igna could harm Honda’s chances of a reunion

Marquez spent the majority of his premier class as a Honda rider, racking up six world titles, 59 wins and 65 pole positions at the Japanese manufacturer before his eyes wandered to better machinery.

Despite the Spaniard racing in a league of his own for the entirety of the current campaign, Dall’Igna didn’t sound too confident in Ducati’s hopes of retaining Marquez beyond his current contract at the team.

Marquez’s Ducati deal runs through until the end of 2026, opening the door to a possible reunion with the most successful constructor in MotoGP history at a time when the sport will be welcoming new regulations in 2027.

Honda boss Alberto Puig believes it would be “complicated” to bring Marquez back into the fold at the team in a frank admission regarding a return.

However, it certainly doesn’t rule out a move away, and neither does Marquez’s recent verdict on his future at Ducati.

The factory Honda team secured their first podium of the 2025 season at their home race in Japan, with a further two podiums, including one race win, from the satellite LCR Honda team also adding to their tally as a constructor.

If Honda are able to keep developing their bike in an upward trajectory, Marquez’s head could be turned again.