Anti-doping spoils Marquez’s podium party: ‘Did you have fun? I didn’t’

2023 has brought little joy to Marc Márquez so far. Fortunately for the man from Cervera, he had a good race with Honda at the last Japanese Grand Prix and was able to finish on the podium for the first time all season. A great opportunity to celebrate something with the team during a truly challenging year. but, The party did not go as expected due to extremely inadequate anti-doping regulations.

“Anti-doping and all the things I had to do. They don’t believe in it, they don’t believe in it either. The podium and anti-doping. That’s why it took me so long. ” explained the eight-time world champion. When I arrived at the box, I turned to the group closest to me and grinned. After the photo and the obligatory blessing, Marquez jokingly said:It went well.Did you have fun? I don’t” he blurted out.

Despite this setback, which had to be taken with humor, the Motegi result helped give a break to a nightmarish season.Catalan He missed up to three Grands Prix at the beginning of the season due to injury. And it had been a year since he climbed into that box.That’s the case today 15th place in general category And like food, he needed a race to make things work.

By a whim of fate, Marquez took his only podium (in Sunday’s race) on Honda’s home turf. However, as Mark himself revealed, that meant nothing to his decision about his future, and this Wednesday’s announcement of his separation after 11 years together is proof of that.