Marquez on Marini to Honda: "I thought it would be Di Giannantonio"

Marc Marquez experienced yet another weekend to forget aboard the Honda in Malaysia. The eight-time champion completed the long race at Sepang in thirteenth place, more than 27 seconds behind winner Enea Bastianini, a result and a gap that once again highlight the technical difficulties the Japanese manufacturer is currently facing, so great that #93 has decided to move to Gresini-Ducati in 2024.

Meanwhile, it looks like Luca Marini is set to do the opposite, leaving the Team Mooney-VR46 Desmosedici to climb aboard the bike vacated by Marquez. A potential move that the Spanish rider has already heard about in recent weeks.

Marc Marquez and the rumours about Luca Marini

“I  already heard this rumour in Thailand”, admits Marquez. “I’ve always had a good relationship with Marini and I’d like it if he were to go to Honda, particularly because he’s a young rider”.

Despite the rumours, Marc is nevertheless a little surprised by the latest developments: “I honestly thought it would be Di Giannantonio, because that was the most logical move for a one-year contract, but now it looks like being Marini. If that’s the case, I’m happy for him because he’s a hard-working – we’ll see how it goes.”

Marquez approves Marini to Honda

“What would his goal be in moving to Honda? I don’t know, because he has a competitive bike right now”, adds Marquez, “and it will take hard work and time at Honda, but they can do it if they work well. Marini deserves it in any case, as he’s run some great races. I’d be pleased if that’s the case, but he’ll be in for a challenge”.

It’s ironic to think that the brother of 'arch enemy' Valentino Rossi might take his place at HRC: “You need to separate the two things. I’ve always had a very respectful and cordial relationship with Luca. We get on, we talk. I think you have to be able to separate the different things” concludes the champion.