Portugal GP, Marini: “My weight? That’s not the problem in MotoGP”

MotoGP lands in Europe, the Portugal GP the first in a long series of races. Luca Marini is pleased about this, as he’s keen to race at the Circuito do Algarve: "I’m happy to be here, because I like the climate and the structures on the Old Continent. The paddock is fully operational, I feel comfortable and have more fun. Life’s good in Europe, there’s lots to do, and I really like this track. Ducati was strong here in 2021, me too. I feel positive and pumped up".

You’re quick in practice, what do you still need to be quick in the races too?

"Nothing in particular, it’s just getting the right combination. We’re working to get everything sorted, the team is new and the bike too. At the start of the year we struggled a little, realising that the race is the time to collect the most indicative and useful data. The team and rider too can only understand certain things during the race. I need some rounds under my belt. But now that we’re in Europe at tracks we know better, we can harness the experience gained over the last four rounds and try to run up front".

Is there work to do on the bike or on yourself?

"On the bike - we need to refine the electronic management and the tyre performance. In every race so far this year, we’ve had a few particular issues. We know what the weak points have been and where we were less than perfect and understand how to improve. We’ll put it all together here.”

Marini: "Me, heavy for MotoGP? As if"

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There has been talk about Luca’s weight but is it really an issue? As if: "Well, I weigh maybe a couple of kilos more than other riders, but I’m not too heavy for MotoGP. Also because I couldn’t weigh any less than this (he laughs). I’m very careful about everything, staying as light and as in shape as possible. Obviously everything has its limit. But my current problem isn’t my weight, on the contrary… At Austin, I was lacking acceleration and speed, but I wasn’t the only one to complain. Weight has nothing to do with it.”

Once the tyres are worn, is the bike very different to ride?

"Not particularly. From last year until now, tyre wear has gradually become less of an issue. We can now complete each lap of the race pushing almost 100%. The only thing is the overheating of the rear tyre, a situation we have to manage. We often use the soft solution in fact. With respect to 2019, not much has changed, you have to adapt in the saddle.”

Considering Bastianini, would you like to use the GP21, already developed and complete?

"The team couldn’t have known how the first races would go, so I think that the GP22 was the right choice. I couldn’t ask for more. Analysing the data, perhaps we can say that the GP21 would have been easier, it might have helped me a little. During testing, I suffered and also had to get to grips with everything, a new crew chief, the bike. We’re a little behind, but I’m in no hurry - this is my second year in MotoGP, I’m not in a hurry to win. I’m sure the results will come.”

Translated by Heather Watson

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