Luca Marini is preparing to compete in the upcoming MotoGP Japan Grand Prix at Motegi with a clear ambition: to secure a spot within the top 10. Riding on the momentum of a strong performance at Misano, Marini aims to close the 23-point gap that separates him from Honda teammate Johann Zarco, who currently holds the top position among Honda riders. With only six races remaining in the season, this event holds great significance for Marini’s standing in the championship.
Building Confidence After Misano Performance
The 28-year-old rider expressed a mix of pressure and determination as he prepares for this critical race on Honda’s home track. Marini acknowledged that the stakes are high but remains positive about the team’s progress and their ability to improve. He highlighted the importance of replicating the success demonstrated at Misano, which served as a valuable testing ground for refining his motorcycle setup and riding approach.
Is there extra pressure for this race? Just a little,
Marini candidly admitted.
We must be honest: this is a crucial race for us, and we will strive to elevate our performance, just like we did in Misano, which was my home race. This one belongs to Honda, so we are aiming to push our results further.
Focusing on Braking as Key to Improved Performance
While Marini noted that progress has been made in several areas, he emphasized braking as a key factor requiring further enhancement. He believes stronger braking performance will provide an edge during qualifying laps and race-day overtaking maneuvers, which are essential to climbing the ranks during competitive sessions.
We are focusing on our braking. We’ve made strides in all other aspects of riding, but there is still room for improvement in braking. It’s a critical area, especially when it comes to time attacks and qualifying laps. We need to step up our game to be more competitive in races and overtake other riders more easily.
Honda’s RC213V Shows Noticeable Advancements
The ongoing development of Honda’s RC213V motorcycle has provided Marini with renewed confidence as he approaches the Motegi races. The improvements in the bike’s performance compared to the previous year have been encouraging, signaling an upward trajectory for both the rider and the team. This progress serves as a foundation for Marini’s belief that better results are within reach before the season concludes.
It’s definitely much better than last year!
he exclaimed with a laugh.
We are on an upward trend, and we need to keep this momentum going. We want to achieve better results in the upcoming races because we are always close to the top 5, and we are hungry for more before the season ends.
Marini’s Clear Goals for the Season’s Final Races
Setting measurable objectives, Marini shared that finishing between 6th and 10th place is the minimum target for the rest of the season. He believes the team’s continuous enhancements to the bike can support this goal, though he insists this is just a starting point, with ambitions to push beyond this threshold as the bike and rider improve together.
Achieving a spot between 6th and 10th is our minimum target right now. The bike’s performance has improved, and we can achieve these results. But we want more! This isn’t enough yet. I believe we can make another leap forward with the bike by the end of the season, and we, as riders, can also step it up when the bike improves.
Comprehensive Upgrades Shape Honda’s Strategy
Marini explained that Honda’s approach to upgrading the RC213V involves addressing multiple aspects simultaneously rather than focusing on isolated components. New parts are introduced as they become ready, allowing the team to test improvements progressively and identify which changes generate significant performance gains.
Have we worked on one area at a time or tackled everything together? Everything together, really. There are priorities, of course, but it takes time to produce new parts. So we tested what arrived first, fitted it to the bike, and evaluated which areas we had improved.
Anticipation and Strategy Leading up to the Race Weekend
As race day approaches, Marini remains upbeat about the strides made by himself and the team, acknowledging that the improvements are substantial even before seeing how they translate into race results. He looks forward to favorable weather conditions that could further boost performance and deliver a competitive advantage on the track.
We don’t need to see how much better we are because we know the progress we’ve made is substantial. We are excited about this weekend and will strive for the best results possible. If we get some warm sunshine like today, even better!
Marini also pointed out that the pre-qualifying sessions are particularly challenging, likening the experience to “shooting in the dark,” where securing a place among the top ten is essential for a strong starting position. Maintaining consistency within the 6th to 10th range remains the current objective, but Marini remains hopeful about improving beyond this as the season concludes.
Before Friday, it’s always tricky. It feels a bit like shooting in the dark because the pre-qualifying sessions are crucial. Being among the top ten and securing a good qualifying position is vital. We will aim to maintain our recent trend of finishes between 6th and 10th, which I believe is a realistic target. However, we want to aim even higher as we head toward the season’s conclusion.
Technical Insights on Honda’s Performance Enhancements
On a track known for its sharp accelerations like Motegi, the effectiveness of Honda’s lowering device plays a significant role in lap times. Marini offered a nuanced view, noting that while the device provides time advantages, aerodynamics contribute even more substantially to gains during racing.
Honda’s lowering device is impressive, the best there is! I’ve seen it trending online, but it doesn’t make as big a difference as some think. With the lowering device, you might go one or two tenths faster, but with aerodynamics, we’re talking about a six-tenths difference,
Marini commented.
Outlook for MotoGP Japan and Beyond
With the race set to take place on a course that favors the strengths of the improved Honda machine, Marini’s determination and the team’s continuous development efforts combine to create high expectations going into the Japan Grand Prix. Their shared goal is not just a repeat of previous results but a breakthrough performance that could shape the remainder of the MotoGP season.
