Marquez vindicated by 'difficult decision' to leave Honda to win MotoGP title

Marc Marquez's gamble to leave Honda in 2023 has paid off spectacularly this year, with the Spaniard claiming a seventh MotoGP championship with Ducati that he concedes vindicated the "most difficult decision" of his career.

The 32-year-old's emotional title win, sealed with five rounds to spare, came after a remarkable journey from injury hell and the brink of retirement to equalling the title haul of MotoGP great Valentino Rossi.

After winning six titles with Honda, Marquez endured a nightmare period with four arm surgeries that left him contemplating hanging up his racing leathers as he struggled with an uncompetitive bike that punished his battered body.

MARQUEZ'S LEAP OF FAITH

However, his salvation came through an unlikely route few could have predicted - a switch to satellite team Gresini Racing and their year-old Ducati machines, a leap of faith rooted in instinct that convinced him he could fight at the front again.

"In 2023, I decided to follow my instinct. I had a very nice talk with Honda, with all my people. When I moved to Gresini, they had the best bike, the Ducati," Marquez told reporters on Monday.

"I wanted to be competitive to continue my career and that answer was positive. When you arrive on the best team, with the best bike, with the best technology - it's in your hands.

"From that winter, I knew it was my best chance to fight for the championship... I told Gresini I'll ride for free to see if I can fight with the top guys."

What followed was a historic comeback as Marquez finished third in the 2024 championship and earned a move to the factory Ducati team, where he dominated the 2025 season and won that elusive seventh title after 2,184 days.

'MOST DIFFICULT DECISION'

As an emotional Marquez sobbed after he