MotoGP News: Luca Marini Admits It Was 'Complicated' Talking To Valentino Rossi After Honda Move

Saajan Jogia | Jul 21, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Luca Marini (10) of Italy and Repsol Honda Team rides in warmups before the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Luca Marini, who ended his association with VR46 last season to race for rival team Repsol Honda, has admitted that it was complicated to talk to owner and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi after his exit. Despite being Rossi's brother, Marini found it difficult to seek his advice after leaving the team.

After a career-best finish of eighth in the championship last year, Marini spends his first season as a factory rider for Honda. He replaced Marc Marquez, who parted ways with the Japanese manufacturer due to the challenges faced with an underperforming bike.

Despite his four years of MotoGP experience, the team transition changed many things for Marini, especially when it came to seeking advice from his brother on matters related to the sport. After all, the journey with Honda thus far hasn't been that easy.

When he was asked how much support and advice he now receives from Rossi since joining a rival team, he told the media:

“At the beginning, it was a little bit complicated because he’s the owner, the boss, of the team.

“But now we are talking with each other. We text each other.

“I try to ask something from him. From outside, understand the situation with Honda is a little bit complicated so I focus more on my feelings, and doing a good job with my team.”

Being Rossi's brother, Marini opened up about the pressure and expectations he encounters. He added:

“All of the comparisons with Vale, for all of the riders, are just a defeat. Vale was the GOAT of this sport.

“It’s great to be his brother! He’s a good guy.”

Marini has frequently been seen trailing at the back of the pack this season, and it wasn’t until the ninth race that he managed to score his first point. This came only after Augusto Fernandez, who had finished ahead of him at the Sachsenring, was penalized for tire pressure violations.

Despite the challenges, Marini has decided to stay with the team and help it get back to fighting at the front in MotoGP, considering the growth he is currently witnessing. Motivated by the project, the 26-year-old rider added:

“Yes we are growing a lot. Things are changing.

“It’s not easy because every manufacturer is pushing during the season, and everybody is growing a lot.

“But yes, I want to be part of this process. This project, for me, is super great. It gives me a lot of motivation.

“I want to win with Honda. Until this moment, I want to be here.”