Luca Marini, Honda HRC rider, is fueling his determination to break into the MotoGP top 3 by 2026 as he prepares for the upcoming race at Misano Adriatico, his home track. After securing two eighth-place finishes recently at Montmelo, Marini is aware of the strong competition posed by the Ducati Desmosedici but remains optimistic about his prospects with Honda’s evolving machinery.
Strong Start and Strategic Goals for Misano
At Misano, a circuit known for its excellent grip, Marini plans to leverage this advantage from the outset.
“We can definitely make our mark here,”
he said, reflecting on the encouraging results from the post-Barcelona testing. His focus is on being competitive right from the free practice sessions to set a solid qualifying position, as overtaking can be particularly challenging on this track.
“Our goal is to break into the top 10 right from the free practices. It’s crucial to secure a strong qualifying position, especially since overtaking can be tricky here. Starting ahead could give us a vital edge in our battle for a top-ten finish,”
Marini told the media.
Progress Amid Uncertainty Over Upgrades
The MotoGP season continues under the cloud of uncertainty regarding new upgrades from the Catalunya test. Marini remains hopeful that developments will benefit his performance.
“We’ll see what unfolds in Japan,”
he commented.
“They are definitely listening to our feedback, and we are gradually making strides in the right direction. Our performance has improved significantly since the start of the season, and we’re proving that on the track.”
Contract Extension Secures Future with Honda
On September 1, Marini extended his contract with Honda, cementing a partnership aimed at steadily increasing competitiveness. He expressed satisfaction about this commitment, recalling the struggles that accompanied their early collaboration.
“It feels great to sign again,”
he shared.
“Though I showed promise in the first test, I hit a wall. The lack of that crucial 10% in performance was critical. We started from the back, but today we’re far more competitive, even if we’re not quite where we want to be yet.”
New Chassis Upgrade Brings Optimism
As he readies to race on the Romagna circuit with a new chassis, Marini expects the upgrade to enhance his bike’s performance, especially through fast sections and the demanding Curvone corner.
“This upgrade will be beneficial in the Curvone and during the fast sections,”
he stated. Looking ahead, he added,
“If we keep progressing like this and our rivals don’t make substantial gains, you can bet we’ll be fighting for a spot in the top 3 by 2026!”
The Advantage of Racing at Home
Marini appreciates the familiarity and convenience of competing close to home, which he believes adds to his mental strength and preparation.
“It’s fantastic to drive here in just a few minutes and then quickly return home. However, the most cherished memories stem from training sessions with the Academy. We come here two or three times a year, and those battles push us to improve and deliver results on race day,”
he noted.
Looking Ahead: Marini’s Pursuit of Podium Success
With clear goals, a strong support team, and steady improvements in performance, Luca Marini is positioning himself as a serious contender for top finishes in MotoGP. His ambition to reach the top 3 by 2026 signals both confidence and potential within the highly competitive field. MotoGP enthusiasts can expect to see Marini pushing the limits as he aims for these career-defining milestones.
