Luca Marini rejects the idea of a number one rider at Honda, advocating instead a collective effort focused on the bike's performance and supporting the strongest rider. During the MotoGP Hungarian Grand Prix, the Italian spoke out clearly about the ambitions of his teammate Johann Zarco, who is keen to take on this role at Honda.
While Zarco says, "I have to be the number 1 driver. I want to be the number 1 driver," Luca Marini refuses to give in to this hierarchical vision. "I don't know, it depends, this question is really difficult to answer. I think Honda should build the best performing bike on the grid, then let the strongest rider win, that is, support him so that he can win among the riders present.", he confides. For Marini, team spirit and technical progress take precedence over the notion of a fixed leader.
Marini continues to play a central role in the development of the Honda RC213V. His relationship with Joan Mir seems harmonious: "I'm very comfortable with Joan right now, I think we're doing a really good job in official mode, we're working very well." This mindset has contributed to Honda HRC's rise in the championship over the past few races.
At Balaton Park in Hungary, Luca Marini achieved his best result with the RC213V, finishing fifth in the Grand Prix and fourth in the Sprint. This double top-five finish is a first for the latter since joining the Japanese brand at the start of 5. His team, Honda HRC Castrol, now sits in 2024th place in the teams' championship, ahead of satellite team LCR.
On the sporting front, something is still seen by many as an injustice. Johann Zarco, despite impressive results (victory at the French GP, second at Silverstone), remains in a satellite team with slower access to the latest developments. Luca Marini, a driver with the factory team, benefited in Hungary from parts that made the difference in the race.
One situation is fueling the debate. In any case, Honda does not plan to appoint a number 1 among its representatives. Everyone will therefore have to fight with the weapons at their disposal to best serve the cause of the project.
