Luca Marini could have stayed comfortably in the VR46 team, on a Ducati, but chose a big challenge in 2024: joining Honda, then last manufacturer in the championship.
If there's one discreet driver in the paddock, it's Luca mariniThe Italian, who arrived in MotoGP in 2021, initially rode for three years in his half-brother Valentino Rossi's team on a Ducati. With the best bike on the grid and a place in a family team, he was in an ideal environment, although he was often the last rider from the Red team in the standings.
Faced with this reality and his perhaps overly comfortable situation, he chose to challenge himself by joining Honda in 2024, which at that time was the least competitive machine on the grid. While his choice may have surprised some, perhaps only a discreet rider like him could join this project and believe in it. If he hadn't been able to win with Ducati, his then somewhat audacious goal was to achieve it with Honda.
“I’ve had many opportunities, but I haven’t been good enough to win [with Ducati]. That’s just how it is. In recent years, the Ducati has been the best bike on the grid and that offered a lot of security. Developing a bike, evolving it, and working to improve it in every technical aspect is a challenge that motivates me enormously.”he confided in an interview given to GP One.
“On this point, I feel I’ve made a lot of progress. I have added responsibility, and that has helped me grow. Before, my feelings were different, because riding for Vale’s team wasn’t better or worse, just different. When the Honda opportunity came up, I thought, ‘Take it!’ I told Vale [first], we discussed it several times, and then I signed.”
“It was an opportunity to grow, to become a stronger rider and also a better person. I chose Honda because I want to win the World Championship, and doing it with a historic brand like Honda would have special value. I remember growing up watching Valentino at Honda, first in 500cc and then in MotoGP. For me, it was a dream. Being part of a factory team gives you something extra as a rider: I think it’s every rider’s dream to represent a brand. Doing it for Honda, for what it has represented in MotoGP, makes me proud, and I hope to succeed in winning with them.”
It is clear that Luca marini Honda was right. Between its first test with the RC213V at the end of 2023 and now, at the beginning of 2026, Honda has gone from the back of the standings to several podium finishes, including even a victory last year with Johann Zarco. While it's true that the Italian rider isn't known for his spectacular performances and is always somewhat behind his teammates, Yet he is undeniably forging his own path.
While he may be less flamboyant, he is remarkably consistent, with only three crashes recorded throughout the entire 2025 season, compared to 28 and 22 for Johann Zarco and Joan Mir, respectively. Deeply committed to Honda, his determination to see the brand return to the forefront extends beyond the development of the motorcycle.
“I immediately understood that the bike had a very good DNA and handled well, but it was lagging behind in many areas, not just technically, but also in terms of organization, working methods, and team structure. I tried to help, with feedback but also by making suggestions for improvements to the bike. Today, little remains from 2023; it has changed enormously, the bike is completely different.”, he added.
Although rumors suggest he will leave in 2027, either to join Yamaha or return to the VR46 team, the Italian remains focused on his goal: “We’re in discussions with Honda about renewing because I believe in this project, but the reality is that everyone is talking to everyone else. The only thing I can do is get out on track and try to win every weekend, regardless of my contract. Right now I’m focused on the present and I want to start winning with Honda as soon as possible.”
