Honda Racing Corporation has confirmed Luca Marini will remain as its factory rider for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Marini joined the Japanese manufacturer from the VR46 Ducati team in 2024, replacing Marc Marquez in an effort to help rebuild the team after four years of struggles for the RC213V.
The move proved to be difficult for the two-time MotoGP podium finisher who was unable to record a top 10 finish in his debut season as a factory Honda rider.
However, in his second campaign, the Italian recorded a strong start to 2025 by scoring points in every round amidst rumours that Honda was looking to change its factory lineup.
A massive crash while testing for the Suzuka 8 Hours threatened to derail Marini’s chances of retaining his ride for 2026; however a potential promotion for Johann Zarco and Honda’s reported interest in Jorge Martin bore no fruit.
After his return from injury, the Italian recorded his best result for the manufacturer at the Hungarian Grand Prix before confirming he will remain as Honda HRC Castrol rider for the next MotoGP season.
“I am very happy to make this announcement and remain with Honda HRC,” Marini said in a statement.
“We have just been working on a few final details, both HRC’s management and myself have been aligned on the future for quite a while.
“I am completely invested in this project and determined to help Honda return to the front in the MotoGP World Championship.
“Since joining the team in 2024, we have continued to improve and work together in an ever-improving way.
“Working with a factory, and especially a factory like Honda HRC, gives you huge motivation as a rider.
“We have had a good season so far and the focus remains to continue improving until the very last lap in Valencia.”
Taichi Honda, General Manager of the Honda Racing Corporation added: “We are happy to continue with Luca for another year, he has shown a high level of professionalism and dedication throughout.
“Luca has earned himself a reputation as an analytical rider and an incredibly hard worker, a valuable asset to any MotoGP project.
“Luca’s feedback is clear and precise and has been very useful for Honda HRC’s engineers in continuing the development of the Honda RC213V over the past season and a half.”
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