Luca Marini isn't making excuses. As Honda tries to get back on track in a turbulent season, the Italian rider acknowledges that Portimão marked the lowest point of the second half of the championship. Despite a solid 11th place finish, Valentino Rossi's half-brother emphasizes the necessary improvements—especially compared to Aprilia, which he describes as the benchmark in aerodynamics.
The official driver Honda signed at Portugal Two respectable results (12th in the sprint, 11th in the race) but never able to compete at the front. We were missing something this weekend." admits Marini.
« During the morning warm-up, we tested different settings, but they weren't up to our expectations. I got off to a great start and was able to make up a lot of ground, but then, I drove less well during the first half of the race »
Despite a promising start and good race management, the Italian was quickly hampered by the difficulties of the RC213V, lacking the pace to counter his rivals. We continue to experiment, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It wasn't a fantastic weekend for Zarco and Mir either." he observes.
« We need to analyze everything carefully and consider the data in a broader context, because this circuit is truly unique. »
To the question of whether the Portuguese Grand Prix was the most complicated of the second half of the season, Marini don't hesitate: absolutely. We need to understand whyi »
Luca Marini: “ The Aprilia is the fastest motorcycle when aerodynamics plays a significant role. »
He does not hesitate to point the finger at the technical dominance ofAprilia. " We've found that Aprilia is the fastest bike when aerodynamics play a significant role. We need to make progress in this area. »
The observation on speedweek is severe but clear-sighted: This season, Aprilia could have won every race. In Indonesia, Bez only missed out by one mistake. In fast corners, Aprilia is the bike to beatOther manufacturers still have a lot of work to do in terms of aerodynamics! »
The Italian driver, however, remains in good spirits ahead of the final round of the season. MotoGP in Valencia, where he hopes to end on a positive note.
"On paper, Valencia should be a more favorable circuit to finish the year well.",” he explains.
Honda will have a significant volume of data for this track, even though the current motorcycle has not yet raced there.
« Yes, but we didn't race there last year. FinallyThis is a new circuit for our current motorcycle.But it will be interesting to see its performance, as this circuit generally suits the Honda well. »
Optimistic, Marini wants to confirm the momentum of progress observed in recent weeks.
« We're eager to get there and see what we can achieve. The trend is clearly positive in this second half of the season. and we want to fight for a top 5 finish again »
Currently 13th in the league, Marini is only 11 points away from Johann zarco, the LCR driver. His goal for the final is clear: to finish first among HondaA symbolic battle, but one that reveals the ongoing reconstruction within the Japanese manufacturer.
