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Marquez: Sprint podium "best way to say thanks" ahead of Honda departure
This past weekend marked the last race for the factory HRC rider with the team after 11 years and six premier class titles. He will be joining the Gresini Ducati team for the 2024 season. Despite qualifying ninth and finishing third in the sprint race, it was his first podium since the Japanese GP last month. Marquez expressed his difficulty in controlling his emotions when seeing the support of his team at the podium. He thanked the people who helped him achieve his dreams and acknowledged that finishing ninth in qualifying would make it more challenging for the main race. Marquez acknowledged the ongoing struggles with his bike but credited his strong performance to taking more risks and finding motivation on a circuit he likes. He aims to finish the race and achieve a top-five finish in the next race.