It’s no secret that Honda have been suffering since Marc Marquez started his injury journey. From multiple surgeries, some significant accidents and some new records for worst performance, Honda have been doing everything they can to get back to where they need to be, and it doesn’t look as though it’s going well…

Honda are doing what they can to leave the past in the past, with moves like Ken Kawauchi (ex-Suzuki) replacing Takeo Yokoyama as technical director, rumours of a new chassis being tested from Kalex and other personnel moves.

Marquez hasn’t been shy about where Honda stands, previously stating that there’s not much possibility of the RC213V fighting any higher than 5th, after enduring a challenging Winter test.

When questioned about Honda’s ongoing prospects, Marquez says he ‘believes’ in the manufacturer to get things right.

“In the end, we are a team and we lose together and we win together. It’s true that the past few years have been really tough for me, have been really tough for Honda, and wea re not coming from the best situation. For that reason, we are not title contenders today in Portimao. We need to keep working and building the project and try to be more competitive in the future. But my ambition is the same as 2013. I’m here to try to fight for the top position, I will do what I have in my hands to fight for those top positions.”

– Marc Marquez, Algarve International Circuit

It’s clear the Honda isn’t up to the standard needed to be a championship winning bike, especially with the current strength being shown by Ducati and Bagnia alike.

Whether Honda are capable of success in 2023 is soon to be decided, with the opening weekend at Portimao beginning in only a few hours.