In an interview Italian outlet moto.it, Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti mentioned it was his understanding that Marquez could be “racing on virtually zero contract”, which is to say with out a wage.
Marquez introduced after the Japanese Grand Prix that he could be breaking his present contract with Honda a 12 months early, with his move to Gresini Ducati for 2024 confirmed on the eve of the Indonesian GP.
On Thursday forward of this weekend’s Thailand GP, Marquez responded to Ciabatti’s feedback.
And whereas he did not discredit the assertion, he additionally clarified that he will not be racing free of charge in 2024.
“As an formidable one who desires to realize his targets, I all the time put sports activities first,” Marquez started. “However I’ve not mentioned that I’m going to run free of charge. Perhaps the workforce can even pay me, nobody is aware of that.”
He added: “As I’ve all the time mentioned, it’s prioritising different issues, and I’m fortunate that I can do it and all the time prioritise sports activities in my profession.
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Workforce
“Every time I’ve determined I’ve finished it that means and I’ll proceed to take action till I retire.
“If later after I retire, I will search for a distinct life, we’ll see. However for now, the observe is the place I wish to take pleasure in myself, and that is the place you possibly can see who’s price it and who’s not.”
It’s not inconceivable that Marquez may race with out a wage from Gresini in 2024, with cash from private sponsorship and any potential outcomes bonuses guaranteeing he’ll nonetheless earn.
On Thursday, Autosport revealed that Fabio di Giannantonio, whom Marquez will substitute at Gresini in 2024, is now best placed to replace the eight-time world champion at Honda.
Initially, RNF Aprilia’s Miguel Oliveira was high of Honda’s record, however Honda’s insistence on providing solely a one-year deal has severely restricted its choices.
Di Giannantonio achieved his first MotoGP podium final weekend in Australia, having the week prior scored his earlier career-best results of fourth in Indonesia.