P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alex Rins has admitted he thought Marc Marquez was ‘playing a little bit with us’ when rumours first emerged of an early MotoGP split from Repsol Honda.
Speculation about Marc Marquez’s future grew after the Japanese Grand Prix, leading to his official departure from Honda. He was then confirmed as a Gresini Ducati rider. His decision surprised riders like Alex Rins, who had also negotiated his own Honda departure for 2024. Marquez had initially expected to remain at Honda when he first ignited rumors on social media. However, the situation changed, leading him to ultimately leave Honda. Rins respected Marquez’s decision and expressed hope that he would win again. Had Rins known about Marquez leaving Honda, it may have complicated his own decision to join Monster Yamaha. Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco is now being linked with taking over Marquez’s vacant Repsol seat.
Source: Crash
