Marc Marquez between Honda and Ducati: an unbreakable bond with HRC

Alberto Puig and Santi Hernandez were two fundamental pillars for Marc Marquez during his years with Honda. Together they won six MotoGP titles and wrote indelible pages of history, until that fateful injury at Jerez in 2020. Then the Cervera champion went through difficult years, leading to the decision to move to Ducati, with which he won the ninth title of his career. But with the Golden Wing manufacturer, a bond remains that nothing and no one will ever break.

Fate had it that Marc Marquez confirmed himself as champion on the Ducati during the Japanese GP, Honda’s homeland. An emotional moment even for his former colleagues at HRC. "It was very emotional, to be honest. Because we needed a podium, and Japan was the best place to get it. Marc also wanted to win the World Championship as soon as possible, and he managed it in Japan. So, we shared the podium."

The image of Alberto Puig and Marquez embracing says it all. "With Marc, there’s no need to talk much. He knows we’re all happy for his success because we all lived through his ordeal, his suffering, his despair. Because in the end, it was absolute despair. With a single hug, you understand everything—you know what the other person is thinking, and they know what you are thinking. Everyone who was there knew what had happened, what was behind it. It was one of those things you can’t even plan."

The MotoGP champion experienced a true rebirth, both personally and professionally. Applauding him were not only those from his Ducati team, but also old friends and technicians. Among them was his friend Santi Hernandez, his crew chief during the RC-V years. "It seemed like it was written in the script," said the Spanish technician, currently working with Joan Mir. "It was something very special. It was very emotional. Because in the end you enjoy your own result, your podium, but at the same time you live it firsthand, seeing your friend become World Champion again after everything that happened."

For Santi Hernandez it was an even more moving experience on a personal level, as he witnessed Marc Marquez’s difficult moments firsthand. "When he says he feels at peace, I think it’s because he has finally healed that wound he inflicted on himself... Marc—now we don’t fully realize it—but I think when he hangs up his leathers and the years go by, he will be someone many will look to with admiration."