The VR46 team confirmed the departure of Luca Marini on Saturday in Valencia – but Fabio Di Giannantonio has not (yet) been announced as his successor
It is an open secret in the MotoGP paddock that Luca Marini will move to the Honda works team next year and take over from Marc Marquez. But there is still no official confirmation from Honda
At the Valencia Grand Prix on Saturday, the VR46 team confirmed the departure of Valentino Rossi’s half-brother. The MotoGP legend is in the paddock this weekend and is also holding various talks in the background about the future of his team.
“It was a fantastic time for me,” Marini looks back. From 2018 to 2020, he rode for the VR46 Moto2 team. 2021 saw his first MotoGP season when he bought a seat at Avintia. This was followed by two years in the new VR46 MotoGP team.
“We experienced the best moments of my career together. Thanks to the team for the great memories over the years. I’ve worked with great people here. We also had a lot of fun.”
Does Marini feel that an era is coming to an end in Valencia? “No. I was only emotional at my wedding,” he says coolly. “Of course, there have been more emotions and hugs in the pits since the start of the weekend, but it’s different when I’m on the track.”
“But we will enjoy Sunday evening together. For me, this is the start of a new era in my life and career. Of course, I want to achieve better results and fight at the front. We’ll see what we can do in the future. “
This means that Marco Bezzecchi will have a new team-mate. But he is relaxed about it: “Of course it will be a bit strange, but it’s out of my hands.” Does he get on well with Fabio Di Giannantonio? “I get on well with everyone,” laughs “Bez”.
Bezzecchi himself turned down the opportunity to join the Pramac team in late summer in order to stay in the family environment of VR46. But he can understand Marini: “Every rider naturally tries to get a place in a works team.”
“Luca has this chance. He has made this decision. I’m happy for him.” Di Giannantonio is in pole position for the vacant seat at VR46. But VR46 only confirmed Marini’s departure on Saturday, but not yet his successor.
“We will know something after the race on Sunday,” said Di Giannantonio. “I don’t want to talk about these things during the weekend because I’m 100 percent focused on the race. “
