Marc Marquez says too many ‘event days’ can be the enemy of a MotoGP rider’s performance.
Marquez commands unique leverage in contract negotiations given that he has won seven premier-class titles, and nobody else on the current grid has more than two.
But with this stature comes an unparalleled commercial appeal. In addition to his personal sponsorships, Marquez is an invaluable asset for Ducati’s partners, just as he was at Honda.
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Marc Marquez won’t let himself be turned into a ‘billboard’
Late last year, MotoGP journalist David Emmett suggested that Marquez and Ducati were ‘arguing’ about sponsorship days, more so than wages or contract duration, as they discussed a renewal.
In an interview with Majes en Moto, Marquez confirmed that this has been a point of contention throughout his career. He believes that non-racing commitments are a distraction when a rider could be training instead.
He is also keenly aware that his value is tied to on-track success, so a balance must be maintained.
Asked if he has any non-negotiables, Marquez replied: “Event days. When you negotiate with a brand, they obviously demand results, but then they also demand event appearances. Yeah, I don’t see having a lot of event days as compatible with achieving results.
“So I ask them: do you want me to show up here unprepared physically and just be a billboard for the brand, or do you want me to come here physically prepared?
“So, I keep my event days strictly limited. That’s clear. After all, if you stop being a good athlete, the events dry up because no one would want to be associated with you, right? If you don’t have results… the two things go hand in hand.”
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Marquez acknowledged that sponsorship deals sometimes prevent him from saying what he thinks, but he thinks a unified front is important.
“I make it very clear: before signing the contract, we have to be a team,” he said. “For me, I’ve learned over the years that a sponsor isn’t just about, bam, event day, payment, and so on.
“There has to be a rapport, a shared message; we really have to be in sync. After all, when you have a sponsor, you gain a team to work with.”
Next year, another of MotoGP’s most marketable riders in Pedro Acosta will join Ducati. Perhaps the youngster will take on more of the load than his veteran teammate.
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