Luca Marini faced a frustrating setback during the recent MotoGP race as a costly tire strategy mistake prevented him from securing a Honda podium finish, overshadowed by changing weather conditions. Starting on wet tires, Marini chose to make an early pit stop to switch to slicks, responding to the drying track and the swift pace of his rivals. However, worsening rain forced him to swap bikes again on lap 8, derailing his chances and resulting in a final position of 11th place.
The Italian rider openly admitted to his frustration following the race, describing his decisions as almost entirely wrong and expressing regret for abandoning his initial strategy.
Marini said. He conceded that hindsight made it clear staying on wets would have been the smarter choice as the race conditions shifted unpredictably.
Marini’s decision to pit early was influenced by the strong pace shown by competitors who had opted for slick tires.
This sudden return of rain forced Marini to adjust once more, focusing on limiting the damage to his race result rather than fighting for top positions.
Despite the setbacks, Marini found some solace in matching the pace of the frontrunners after his second bike change. Reflecting on his performance, he emphasized the need to trust decisions fully, regardless of unfolding scenarios.
he said.
The original plan to start on wets was based on race forecasts predicting rain, but Marini admitted to abandoning that approach too quickly.
Had he stuck to his first choice, Marini believes he might have challenged Johann Zarco’s performance, potentially contending for a podium or even victory.
he noted.
The race itself was turbulent, with Zarco ultimately celebrating Honda’s first MotoGP win since 2023. Zarco dropped to the back early on after a collision involving Marini’s teammate Joan Mir, who later revealed significant injuries including a fractured right hand and neck pain from the crash. This incident added a layer of tension and uncertainty to an already chaotic race day.
Marini’s finish in 11th place leaves him 13th in the world championship standings as the season heads toward the British MotoGP at Silverstone. The experience marks a painful but critical learning moment for the rider, highlighting how quickly conditions can shift and how crucial tire strategy remains in MotoGP races, especially when weather plays such a significant role.
