Marco Bezzecchi
Honda star Luca Marini has revealed that he confided in Valentino Rossi before making a decision to leave the MotoGP legend’s team, VR46, in favour of the Japanese constructor in 2024.
Since making the move from Ducati to Honda machinery, Luca Marini has cemented himself as a key rider when it comes to developing a MotoGP bike.
In fact, in light of Fabio Quartararo’s suggested move to Honda for 2027, Marini is expected to partner with the Frenchman due to his strong feedback on the development side of things.
Marini has since received an offer to replace Quartararo at the factory Yamaha team. With the Iwata-based outfit currently in a dire situation due to the calibre of their new V4-powered prototype, the Italian’s prowess in engineering meetings could be highly beneficial for them.
Predict the order of the Honda riders in the 2026 MotoGP standings
Luca Marini recalls confiding in Valentino Rossi before making Honda switch from VR46
During an interview with GPOne following the conclusion of the Thailand Grand Prix, Marini was asked a number of questions regarding his career so far in MotoGP.
The Italian was also asked about his experience with Ducati machinery from his time at the VR46 Racing outfit, as well as the events that led to his eventual Honda switch at the end of the 2023 season.
“In recent years, Ducati has been the best bike on the grid, and it gave you a lot of confidence,” Marini began. “The fact is that developing a bike, making it improve, and working to make it the best in every technical aspect is a challenge that stimulates me a lot.
“In this respect, I feel I have improved a lot. Plus, I have more responsibility, and that has helped me grow.
“Before, the feeling was different because racing in Vale’s team was neither worse nor better, just different. When the Honda opportunity came up, I thought, ‘Let’s take it.'”
Asked who he told first about a potential move down to pit-lane to Japanese machinery, he replied, “Vale! I told him, we talked about it several times, and then I signed.”
- READ MORE: Luca Marini thinks Toprak Razgatlioglu might have to wait until 2027 to ‘have fun’ in MotoGP
You’re Valentino Rossi: Which two riders do you sign for VR46 in 2027?
Luca Marini is one of many VR46 Academy Riders who compete in the premier class
While Marini’s relationship with Rossi stems from them being each other’s maternal half-brothers, the 28-year-old is also one of the many VR46 Academy Riders who currently compete in MotoGP.
Rossi set the rider development programme up while he was still actively competing at the top of his game in 2013.
It has since seen a multitude of talents make it to the premier class, including two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia and seven-time Grand Prix winner Marco Bezzecchi.
Rossi previously detailed what it was like to race his proteges in the premier class, highlighting Franco Morbidelli in particular as someone who raced him relatively intensely.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
