When European Manufacturers Dominate, Honda Boss Denies Rumors Will Leave MotoGP

JAKARTA - President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Yasuharu Watanabe, gave good news ahead of the Austrian MotoGP. He emphasized that his team would not withdraw from MotoGP.

"Yes, we deny that (therumor) is here. We will never withdraw from MotoGP," Watanabe said as quoted by Crash, Friday, August 18.

Watanabe made this statement as rumors circulated that Honda would follow in the footsteps of Suzuki who withdrew from MotoGP.

This emerged after the Japanese factory team slumped in MotoGP in recent seasons, especially since Marc Marquez suffered a severe injury in 2020.

The concern of Honda's withdrawal from MotoGP was revealed by the MotoGP legend, Casey Stoner. The two MotoGP world champions are worried that the dominance of European factory teams such as Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM who are better at aerodynamics will make Honda decide to leave MotoGP.

In addition to denying Honda's withdrawal from MotoGP, Watanabe also confirmed that his relationship with Marc Marquez was in the best condition. Watanabe said that Honda still trusts Marquez.

"We don't have a chance to build fast motorcycles and engines to win. Every time I'm in the MotoGP race, I always talk a lot with Marc," said Watanabe.

"I've always said that we're going to build and build the machine he wants, and we're going to do it as soon as possible."

Regarding Marquez, Watanabe also said that the Spaniard had expressed his desire to stay at Honda next season because he had the same vision and mission.

"I told Marquez: 'If you have your own plan, if there are things you don't agree with, you can make a decision'. But, we both have the same target. So let's work together without giving up until the end," concluded Watanabe.