Marco Bezzecchi
Despite the upcoming Thailand Grand Prix marking the start of a brand-new season of racing in MotoGP, Luca Marini thinks the podium has already been decided as he assesses Honda’s chances of securing a strong result.
Honda had a lot of positives to take from a season that, on the surface, looked like a fairly disappointing campaign for the Japanese constructor’s standards.
However, despite finishing fourth out of five constructors in the standings, the trajectory of Honda’s development looked to be heading in the right direction.
In fact, Luca Marini’s seventh-place finish at the final round of last year’s term saw Honda move up in MotoGP’s concessions rankings, marking the first move since the sport’s governing body amended the system in 2023.
The Italian rider has been hopeful for another step forward for the Asaka-based outfit in the new campaign, but are adamant that we won’t be treated to any shocks in the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix.
Could we get a surprise winner at the Thailand Grand Prix?
Luca Marini thinks the podium for the 2026 MotoGP season-opener is ‘already decided’
Following the conclusion of pre-season testing, the half-brother of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has issued his verdict on what fans can expect to see once the flag drops in Buriram.
Marini said via Speedweek, “I’m looking forward to the race to see where everyone really stands. Many riders can currently fight for the top five; the podium is already decided.
“Qualifying will be very important, so we need to prepare well for it. I think our potential is easily enough for the top seven, maybe even more if we can improve a few things on the bike in the next few days.”
While Marini isn’t confident in his chances of being a genuine contender for the win in Thailand, team boss Alberto Puig is confident that Honda can secure a victory on pure merit in the upcoming term.
Johann Zarco was able to bring some success to the constructor last year, with a win at his home race at Le Mans.
Nothing should be taken away from the Frenchman for his dazzling performance in the rain, but the grid’s usual front-runners were simply unable to properly stretch their legs in the torrential conditions that befell the Bugatti Circuit that weekend.
Marc Marquez was the overwhelming favourite for the Thailand Grand Prix at the beginning of pre-season, but the Ducati star’s ‘silly’ crashes in testing have indicated a shade of vulnerability for him heading into the campaign’s meaningful sessions.
What’s your podium prediction for the Thailand Grand Prix?
Luca Marini is still in the dark over his MotoGP future with Honda for the 2027 season
The major talking points heading into the new season have all been regarding the MotoGP rider market.
Things exploded upon reports from Spain suggesting that Fabio Quartararo was finalising a deal to join Honda for 2027, with a multitude of other expected rider moves emerging in the aftermath.
With the Italian understood to be Honda’s flag-bearer at this moment in time, it left his position at the team in question.
Marini is expected to be announced as Quartararo’s teammate for the new era of premier class regulations, but the Japanese constructor has also been linked with bringing several other riders into the fold as well.
It remains to be seen where the 28-year-old will be riding next year, and there won’t be a better shop window for him than the upcoming season of racing.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
