MADRID, 13 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Italian MotoGP rider Luca Marini (Repsol Honda) recognized this Tuesday that Marc Márquez is “part of the history of Honda”, although he made it clear that now “a new era begins” and the team's “comeback”, with the aim of “to have a competitive bike for victories as soon as possible.”
“Marc Márquez is part of Honda's history, they have done great things together, and that is what I want to do. A new era of Honda begins,” said the Italian during the Repsol Honda Team presentation event for the new season.
Marini, brother of Valentino Rossi, will experience his first year as a Repsol Honda team rider in 2024, in his first experience in an official team, after leaving the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. “This has given me the motivation to be here, we have a common goal. You always want to ride in an official team, I know it is not the best moment in its history, but the goal and my dream is for me to return,” he said.
“Now it is very important to learn well how to ride the Honda. But every time I go on the track it is easier. The objective is to have a competitive bike for victories as soon as possible. I am working one hundred percent,” he added about his first sensations when getting on the Japanese machine.
Thus, he reiterated that the entire team has to “work harder”, because the distance with the favorites is still “not small enough.” “But we already have a clear direction in which to work. Surely, during the season, the bike will improve a lot. It won't be easy, but we will feel very good,” said the Italian, who is clear that “the comeback is beginning to get back to the top.” “.
Regarding his teammate, Joan Mir, he noted that he has to “learn from him how to ride” and “the secrets” of the Honda, being aware that he will have to “do the time differently than last year” with the Ducati. “We are going to give a good level, pushing each other to the maximum,” he said.
“My first motorcycle was when I was four years old, but I don't remember anything about it… It was very small, with training wheels. I never saw my brother as a MotoGP rider, he was just my brother. I was the one who asked my father to try a motorcycle, and now I am here at Repsol Honda,” Marini concluded about his first contact with motorcycling.