EXCLUSIVE: Frankie Carchedi Reacts to Not Following Marc Marquez to Factory Team: he is doubting his…

EXCLUSIVE: Frankie Carchedi Reacts to Not Following Marc Marquez to Factory Team: he is doubting his…

Frankie Carchedi, the highly respected MotoGP technician and long-time member of Marc Marquez’s inner circle, recently opened up about his decision not to follow the legendary rider to the Repsol Honda factory team. After a decade of working with Marquez, Carchedi’s move away from the team has sparked considerable interest in the paddock, with many wondering what influenced his decision and what his future holds. In an exclusive interview, Carchedi reflects on his time with Marquez, the emotional weight of the decision, and his vision for his career going forward.

Having joined Marquez’s crew during the rider’s rookie season in 2013, Carchedi played an instrumental role in the Spaniard’s rise to dominance in MotoGP. Known for his meticulous approach to engineering and tire management, Carchedi’s expertise in the garage has been a crucial factor in Marquez’s six world championships. His work ethic and deep understanding of the technical intricacies of the bike made him one of the most trusted figures in the MotoGP paddock. As Marquez’s main mechanic, Carchedi was directly involved in nearly every key moment of the rider’s career, from his first MotoGP win to his incredible comeback after a series of debilitating injuries.

However, in a stunning turn of events, Carchedi made the difficult decision to remain with Honda, but not follow Marquez to the factory team for the 2024 season. Instead, Carchedi has chosen to join the LCR Honda team, a satellite squad that will feature Alex Rins and Takaaki Nakagami. When asked about his decision, Carchedi was candid about the emotional struggle it caused.

“I’ve been with Marc for so many years, and it wasn’t an easy choice,” Carchedi said. “Marc and I have been through a lot together—he’s like a brother to me, and it was hard to break that connection. But I had to think about my own future, and I felt it was time for a new challenge. Staying with Honda was important for me, as I believe in their project and I feel I can contribute in a different way with LCR.”

Carchedi acknowledged that working alongside Marquez at Honda for so long had shaped his career, but he was ready to embrace the opportunity to grow in a different environment. “I am proud of everything we achieved together, but in life, sometimes you need to step away and see what else is out there,” Carchedi continued. “I’m looking forward to working with Alex and Taka. They both have a lot of potential, and I think we can make something special happen at LCR.”

The technician expressed his admiration for Marquez, saying that their bond would never be broken. “I will always be there to support Marc, and I’m sure we’ll still be in touch,” he said. “What we’ve built together is unique, and I’ll never forget the amazing moments we shared. But sometimes, in this sport, you have to take risks and try something new.”

Carchedi’s move to LCR Honda marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. Though his decision may have been seen as a surprise by many, it shows his desire for personal growth and his willingness to explore new avenues within MotoGP. With a strong reputation in the paddock, Carchedi’s technical expertise will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the LCR team as they continue to evolve alongside Honda.

As for Marquez, the absence of his trusted mechanic in the garage will undoubtedly be a challenge, but with a seasoned team already in place, both he and Carchedi are likely to continue their successes—just on separate paths. Whether the two will cross paths again in the future remains uncertain, but for now, Frankie Carchedi is focused on his new role and the exciting challenges ahead.