Marini: Honda ‘has the power’ to return to the front in MotoGP soon

The multiple MotoGP podium finisher has joined the factory Honda squad on a two-year deal to replace Marc Marquez, who has signed for Gresini Ducati for 2024.

Marini made his debut with Honda at the post-season Valencia test, having had his HRC deal announced only the day before, and performed solidly in 10th and just 0.703s off the pace.

However, due to contractual stipulations, Marini has not been able to publicly comment on Honda until now.

In an interview conducted by the Japanese manufacturer, Marini – who had originally signed to remain with VR46 Ducati for 2024 – said of his move to Honda: “It was a shock after Marc announced his change.

“So, me and my group, my manager, we tried to find a way to approach this new project and improve together and try to build a better bike, better performance, to come back and win races and win world titles.

“This is our goal, our target, so I am sure there will be very, very satisfying moments too.”

Luca Marini, Repsol Honda Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Luca Marini, Repsol Honda Team

When asked what made him want to join Honda, Marini added: “First of all, it’s the best [team] in the History.

“Numbers and statistics speak for themselves, and it is a very particular moment now, but I think we have the power to come back very, very soon.

“I will try to give all my feedback and my energy to this project and I’m sure that we will find the correct direction. We will have the power to stay at the top for many years.”

Marini says he wants “to start the season with an open mind” and has desires to fight for podiums and victories, but concedes that this will “maybe be tough, but we need to look ahead”.

The Italian also praised “the culture” within the Japanese manufacturer and called it “a dream” to work in a factory surrounding.

“It was amazing, passing in a very fast way and the day was already finished,” he said of his first day with Honda in the Valencia test.

“But we will have a lot of time during winter, during the test, during the season to speak with all the members of this team because it’s full of people.

“It’s just a dream to work with all these people and also with the Japanese. I have a very good feeling. I love the culture, we can have a very good synergy.”

Read Also:
  • MotoGPMartin: Beating Marquez in 2024 will make me one of the best in MotoGP
  • MotoGPThe key Ducati MotoGP figure stepping aside when it may need him most
  • MotoGPHonda MotoGP squad “will be the team of my life”, says Marquez

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

Honda was the only brand that failed to win a MotoGP race in 2022, finishing last in the world constructors' standings. The factory team, traditionally considered the paddock's biggest superpower, finished no higher than ninth out of 12 places in the teams' rankings. Meanwhile, the best-placed Honda rider in the championship was Marc Marquez in 13th, and he only scored in 10 of the 20 grands prix. Injuries that continued to plague him meant he missed eight races. Honda's negative performance last year triggered a profound restructuring for 2023 both in its rider ranks, with the arrival of Joan Mir to the factory squad and Alex Rins to the satellite LCR structure, and at its technical level. Arguably the most interesting development is the hiring of Ken Kawauchi as the new technical manager. He replaces Takeo Yokoyama, who will now be in charge of supervising the engineering staff that Honda has in Japan. Source: https://thefoxposts.com/the-othe...
Read more

Arsenal icon Marc Overmars suffers 'irreparable heart damage' following cardiac arrest

Former Arsenal forward Marc Overmars has suffered 'irreparable damage' to his heart after suffering a cardiac arrest last month, according to reports in the Netherlands. The Dutchman was hospitalised at the end of 2022 with what Royal Antwerp, Overmars' employers, claimed was a 'mild stroke'. But De Telegraaf report that Overmars' condition is significantly worst than first feared, as part of his heart muscle is no longer working as it should, and that the ability to pump blood around Overmars' body is understood to have been reduced by 70% compared to normal capacity. It's unclear at this stage whether Overmars will recover, though he was recently quoted by Dutch media that he needed to 'take it easy and move forward one step at a time'. Overmars is well known to Football fans not only in the Netherlands, but also because of his stints as a player in England and Spain. He burst onto the scene during the mid-1990s after Louis van Gaal signed hi...
Read more

Premier League team of the week: Gameweek 30

Some big players stood up to be counted in Game week 30. All around the Premier League , there were some sensational individual performances which could well prove pivotal at this late stage in the season. Whether battling for the title or to avoid relegation, every team needs somebody to rise to the occasion. Here's 90min 's team of the week. WATCH: The best Premier League goals of Gameweek 30 GK: Aaron Ramsdale - Jordan Pickford looked to be getting this spot until Ramsdale went crazy with some outrageous saves to snatch a point for Arsenal against Liverpool. The kind of performance which could decide the fate of the Premier League title. RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - His future at Man Utd looked uncertain, but Wan-Bissaka has answered Erik ten Hag's challenge and made a real statement with his performance in the win over Everton. CB: Angelo Ogbonna - West Ham weren't good against Fulham. They had to weather a storm to hold on to an ugly 1-0 victory, and with a dominant...
Read more