However hypothesis intensified over the next rounds, culminating within the eight-time world champion formally negotiating an exit from Honda after the latest Japanese Grand Prix.
Marquez was then confirmed as a Gresini Ducati rider on the eve of this weekend’s Indonesian occasion.
“I’m stunned as a result of on the Misano GP, he did plenty of joking on social media. So for that reason, I assumed possibly he’s staying and he’s taking part in just a little bit with us,” mentioned LCR rider Rins, who had already negotiated his personal Honda departure for 2024.
“However after Motegi, and the rostrum, he introduced that he’s going away from Honda with nonetheless one yr of contract… Wow! I used to be fairly impressed.”
Marquez admitted that when he first ignited rumours over his future on social media at Misano, he really anticipated to stay at Honda.
“The choice was not clear. It seems to be just like the final two months, I performed with all of you, however truthfully talking, the state of affairs was altering each week,” Marquez mentioned on Thursday.
“Even in Misano after I did that [‘Things are happening’] video, in that second I used to be almost 90% in Honda.
“However then the state of affairs modified. And it was tremendous troublesome. However ultimately, final Tuesday was after I took the choice [to leave Honda].”
Rins continued: “If he takes this resolution it’s for [a reason]. So we have to respect this resolution and for certain I hope that Marc goes to win once more. He’s a really quick rider and if he makes this resolution, I believe it’s as a result of he isn’t capable of get this successful feeling once more with the Honda.”
Rins acknowledged that had he recognized Marquez could be quitting Repsol Honda, it may need made his personal resolution to hitch Monster Yamaha extra difficult.
“For certain I might have his seat in Honda subsequent yr [if I had stayed], however after I determined to maneuver to a different producer, I didn’t have this chance,” mentioned Rins, who used a clause in his HRC contract that allowed him to depart LCR if he obtained a manufacturing unit provide.
“I needed to take a choice by a [certain] date, and in that second, on the desk, I had the chance to proceed at LCR however I had additionally the chance to maneuver to a manufacturing unit crew [Yamaha].
“I don’t know what I might have finished if I had two [factory] prospects, however in that second I had the Yamaha one so I took that.”
Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco was then signed by Honda to take over Rins’ LCR place subsequent season. The Frenchman is now among the many names being linked with taking on Marquez’s vacant Repsol seat.