MotoGP, Luca Marini warns the competition: "The 2026 Honda is already better than the current one"

Luca Marini, now a frequent candidate for the top 5, is asserting himself more and more during this season. While he had a difficult start on the RC213V, he managed to extend his contract for a year, with the mission of bringing the winged company back to the top. Of course, the Italian, like his engineers, is already working on the 2026 financial year, which promises to be crucial for Honda. Unlike the European brands, they can still develop the engine, which will undoubtedly reduce the gap between the different manufacturers before the regulation change in early 2027.

Marini is working hard on Honda's future MotoGP model. « They did a very good job, especially on the engine.. Overall performance is better, but they worked particularly well, as engine improvement is always, in my opinion, the hardest part to do on a motorcycle » could we read in the columns of crash.net.

It wasn't the result we aimed for. It wasn't easy. Aim @ Luca_Marini_97 gave it his all no matter what to fight back to fifth place at the #IndonesianGP ️ pic.twitter.com/ju3Fw0EVoj

— Honda HRC Castrol – MotoGP (@HRC_MotoGP) October 5, 2025

Marini's ambition

Among the many updates made during the year, the carbon swingarm is still a source of reflection at Honda. « The aluminum swingarm is better in some areas, such as acceleration and recovery, but is a little less good on corner entry.. We use carbon because it's lighter, and weight makes all the difference. We always try to be very light. Since I'm a little taller and heavier than other riders, This is essential for us in terms of tire management and braking power.. » he continued.

Obviously, the Italian has high expectations for next season. "We will definitely try it again during the Valencia test, but I think the 2026 prototype is already better than the bike we have nowWe need to find a better way to generate grip from the rear tire and exploit it better. Because at the moment, this is the biggest problem we face in the race. » he concluded.

Do you think Luca Marini can challenge for the top 5 in the general classification next year if the Honda improves significantly? Tell us in the comments!