Now at Ducati, Márquez cuts ties with Red Bull

The end of the year doesn't just mean vacation for pilots. If Marc Márquez took a few days off in Punta Cana, he also had to fulfill certain obligations by participating in an event with Ducati at the beginning of the month, then another this week with Red Bull, his long-time sponsor.

Like Max Verstappen, Márquez was the guest of the Sport & Talk from Hangar 7 program, organized by the energy drink in its museum, the scene of many other events, and broadcast on Servus TV, also owned by Red Bull. This last public appearance of the year was also his very last under the colors of the Austrian brand, since his new team, Ducati, is under contract with its direct competitor, Monster.

As Motorsport.com announced before his first test on the official machine, Márquez refused to become an athlete sponsored by Monster. The brand's green signature will appear on his motorcycle, his suit and his official outfit, the colors of which are decided by Ducati, but not on the spaces over which he maintains control, such as his helmet or his water bottle, on which he will display another long-time sponsor, the non-alcoholic beer Estrella Galicia 0.0.

“This is my last official event”Márquez said in the Servus TV program. “I am very happy to be here, at Red Bull, because as you know, next year I am going to Ducati. I have had a relationship of more than 15 years with Red Bull, Ducati has another sponsor “I would have liked it to continue, there have been a lot of discussions, but out of respect for Red Bull, I will not be sponsored by Monster personally. I cannot continue with Red Bull.

Márquez will therefore cut ties with what is more than a sponsor, Red Bull supporting the athletes in their training… and with the hope of re-creating a link in the future: “I want to thank this incredible family and hope our paths cross again.”

Márquez did not hesitate to break historical ties to relaunch his career. The most resounding divorce was naturally the one with Honda a year ago, followed by the one with several partners now, Ducati being under contract with rival brands.