During the MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix sprint at Mandalika, Honda’s Luca Marini faced a significant setback caused by an unexpected front tyre pressure drop from the very start. The Italian rider, who had shown strong pace in practice and qualified near the front of the second row, was unable to avoid an eight-second penalty that impacted his final race position.
Marini quickly engaged in a fierce early duel with eventual winner Marco Bezzecchi, managing to cross the finish line in sixth place. However, the post-race penalty for a tyre pressure violation pushed him down to 13th, outside the points-scoring positions.
Tyre Pressure Drop Made Early Laps Difficult
After the race, Marini explained that his front tyre pressure “completely dropped” for reasons still unclear, making his bike unmanageable in the opening stages. He struggled to control the bike in the first three or four laps, describing it as nearly impossible to turn and lacking in stability.
I took the penalty for the front tyre pressure, because when I started it was already super low,
he stated.
“I don’t know why, but it completely dropped and the bike was unrideable the first three, four laps, impossible to turn and the feeling was not good.
“Then at a certain point I tried to let some riders behind me pass me to raise up the pressure, but it was not possible.
So, anyway, another occasion missed but the feeling with the bike overall was good. Let’s try again tomorrow if we are able to fix this thing with the pressure.
Uncertainty Over Podium Chances and Race Strategy
Marini is uncertain whether a podium finish would have been achievable without the tyre trouble and remains cautious about Sunday’s race, where the medium rear tyre is expected to be the preferred choice for many riders. The challenges of managing tyre wear over the longer race distance add to the unpredictability of the outcome.
I don’t know, Marini responded when asked about realistic podium hopes.
“We will see. With the medium rear with the long race of tomorrow it’s a little bit difficult for everybody.
But we will see the pace. After the warm-up we will have some more information and try to understand.
Looking Ahead: Marini’s Focus on Resolving Tyre Pressure Concerns
Despite the challenges at Mandalika, Marini remains reflective and determined to address the tyre pressure issue ahead of the main race. His experience highlights the technical complexities riders face and underscores how equipment factors can swiftly alter race fortunes, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning bike settings to maintain competitive pace.
