Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1511457
Marini Edging Toward Honda Deal T here was shock in Sepang at the MotoGP, as it emerged that Luca Marini has struck an agreement to join Repsol Honda in 2024 to replace the outgoing Marc Marquez. After names like Aleix Espar- garo, Miguel Oliveira, Maverick Vinales, Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco had been linked to the seat, Fabio Di Giannantonio was tipped to take the ride after posting impressive performanc - es in Indonesia and Australia. But it's believed Team Manager Alberto Puig wasn't convinced. The offer of a one-year deal hindered Honda's ability to con - vince an experienced name to move. "As a rider, are you going to break a relationship with one manufacturer to go to another without more guarantees of the future?" said Oliveira in Malay - sia. It's believed Puig convinced bosses in Japan to extend that to a two-year offer. Marini had long spoken of his desire to branch out from older brother Valentino Rossi's team, which he has been a part of since 2018, and forge his own path. On Friday, he weighed up the pros and cons of breaking his contract with VR46 Ducati a year early. "Yeah, you have the best bike, but going in a factory team, developing your own bike and talking with all the engineers and follow a direction—your di - rection—and everybody together is a completely different thing," he said. "I know now my package is fantastic and the team is work- ing very well, and Ducati is a fan- tastic bike, performing well every time and in every situation…. but also, as a rider, I have dreams and goals to achieve and to ride and work for a factory team is incredible in my opinion. But it needs to be the correct project in the correct situation." Asked on Sunday if it was fair to assume he'd be riding in different colors next year, Marini replied, "Yeah. All the media are saying this. It's a difficult situa - tion. That's it." When it was put to him that Rossi had posted a photo from 2002 when he was in Repsol Honda leathers, his younger brother quipped, "Maybe he's coming back to ride for Honda!" The move is a stunning turn of events, not least because it could mean Rossi's brother will take the place of sworn enemy Marc Marquez and could pos - sibly end up working with the eight-time champion's highly decorated team. It is also the seat Rossi occupied in 2002 and 2003. "It looks like [Marini] will take my place," said Marquez on Sun - day. "And I'm happy for Luca. I'm moving to a competitive bike. WIND IN THE P20 Luca Marini will take the seat at Repsol Honda once held by brother Valentino Rossi. PHOTO: GOLD & GOOSE