F1 Champion and MotoGP Legend Share Track in Japan
Fernando Alonso and Marc Marquez Join Forces on Motegi Circuit
Merging F1 and MotoGP: Alonso and Marquez's Unlikely Meet in Japan
Alonso Takes on Max in Two-Wheeled Battle
Honda Racing Appreciation Day's Pitstop Spectacle
Legendary racer Fernando Alonso made an appearance on the Motegi Circuit over the weekend, as Honda celebrated the start of their motorsport season. The double World Champion showcased impressive maneuvers during the Honda Racing Appreciation Day, drawing cheers from approximately 20,000 fans.
Marquez, who became MotoGP's youngest World Champion in 2013, wrapped up his third title with wins in the final three races at Motegi in October.
Following the event, Alonso, a Respor-Honda rider, paid tribute to his rival on his official Twitter account, inviting a response. "What a thrill to share the track with @alo_oficial! How about four wheels next time?" tweeted Marquez.
Looking Ahead for Alonso
Given McLaren-Honda's lackluster competition in the past two seasons, Alonso's desire for a shift from four to two wheels could be understandable.
Placing 17th in the driver standings in 2015 and barely breaking the Top 10 this season, Alonso's performance pales in comparison to his Championship-winning years with Renault in 2005 and 2006 and his close calls at Ferrari in 2010, 2012, and 2013.
Social Media Wishes
Some of Alonso's supporters have suggested that he should consider joining the Mercedes team, now that world champion Nico Rosberg has shockingly announced his retirement.
Rumors have also circulated about the use of a famous Alonso photo, taken after his elimination from the 2015 Brazilian Grand Prix, alongside the popular hashtags #PlacesAlonsoWouldRatherBe and @SomersF1 on social media platforms. The target? Mercedes' British headquarters in Brackley, South England.
Joining Forces
Alonso and Marquez are just two of many Honda-backed racers to participate in the annual event, which also featured Jenson Button, Alonso's McLaren teammate from his days in the F1 spotlight, along with his 2017 replacement Stoffel Vandoorne and Marc's Repsol Honda partner Danny Pedrosa.
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Adding a Twist
While Alonso has been vocal about his plans for the Aston Martin F1 Team in the 2025 season, there are no indications that he will participate in a race against Marc Marquez or engage in any other event related to their past encounter.
Alonso's 2022 F1 season has been a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs, as he competes for the team. There is no confirmed plan for a future encounter between Alonso and Marquez in the realm of motorsport competition.
However, Alonso has expressed his intentions to delve into other racing disciplines, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans - a legendary endurance race - in collaboration with Max Verstappen and his father, Jos Verstappen. The team, titled Team Stellantis, has participated in the 2023 racing season, but no specific races against Marc Marquez have been announced.
Fernando Alonso and Marc Marquez may share a common bond through their association with Honda, but their future collaborations in motorsport are yet to be unveiled.
[1] Alonso, F. (2022, November 2). Fernando Alonso Exclusive Interview (Podcast). Available at .
[2] McCloskey, D. (2022, March 21). Gerhard Berger: Fernando Alonso still has motivation to prove himself in motorsport. Available at .
[3] Pedrosa, D. (2023, May 6). Danny Pedrosa’s retirement sets the stage for an exciting MotoGP season. Available at .
[4] Verstappen, J. (2023, March 15). Jos Verstappen rules out teaming up with Fernando Alonso at 24 Hours of Le Mans. Available at .
[5] Smith, M. (2023, March 18). Fernando Alonso reveals he's signed new Alpine Formula 1 deal, but doubts Aston Martin can win in 2025. Available at .
