VR46-Ducati will continue with its current line-up in 2024, as Luca Marini is also staying – but the Italian is already looking ahead to 2025
After Marco Bezzecchi, Luca Marini has – unsurprisingly – also extended his contract with VR46-Ducati for another year and will remain loyal to the MotoGP team in 2024. This was confirmed by both parties ahead of this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix, Marini and VR46’s home race.
“Staying with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team is a question of trust for me in a very close working group that has believed in me for many years,” commented Marini on the contract extension, adding, “As a team we will do everything we can to achieve our goals for next season.”
“Now I can fully concentrate on the last races of this season. I think we have improved a lot with this team compared to last season.”
Marini currently sits seventh in the standings with 125 points after scoring his first podium finish in the premier class at the American Grand Prix in Austin. He made his MotoGP debut in 2021 with the Avintia team.
Marini: Atmosphere in the team decisive
Even then, Valentino Rossi’s half-brother was supported by the VR46 organisation and wore their colours. When the latter took over the Avintia grid for 2022, Marini stayed. Above all, he emphasises the strong cohesion within the team.
“The people I work with are great and the feeling in the garage is fantastic. We want to continue in the same way and try to fight for the top positions,” says the 26-year-old. “I thank not only Vale, Uccio and Pablo, but the whole technical team that supports me and Ducati.”
Team director Uccio Salucci describes Marini as a “hard worker, always precise, focused on details and that is a real asset in today’s MotoGP.” He has not always achieved what he deserves so far, he said. “I hope he can give his best in the remaining races and in the future.”
With Marini’s confirmation, VR46’s line-up for 2024 is set. A relief for team manager Pablo Nieto. “I am very happy that we have confirmed both riders. Luca’s contract extension for another year is a big confidence boost for everyone in the team,” said the Italian.
Bezzecchi’s decision to stay with the team was announced ahead of last weekend’s Catalunya Grand Prix. The Italian had previously been linked with a possible move to Pramac-Ducati.
Asked if that had also been an option for him, Marini says: “Of course I spoke with Vale, with Ducati, with Uccio. We all have the same goal: to be competitive and fight for victory – this season and next. Together we tried to make the right decision. “
One-year contract to be available for 2025
At the same time, Marini stresses that it was “very important” for him to sign only a one-year contract. “To be available when the relevant places become available on the rider market,” says the Italian, as he too has his sights set on a promotion to the Ducati factory team in the 2025 MotoGP season.
“Let’s see what happens. It can be a good possibility, but I need to prove my pace and finish this season in the best possible way,” Marini knows.
By the way, the announcement of his contract extension with VR46 comes on the very race weekend where he made his World Championship debut ten years ago, at Misano 2013 as a Moto3 wildcard starter. However, Marini does not have good memories.
“All I remember is that it was a weekend to forget. I was not ready and not in the right situation to race in the World Motorcycle Championship. I actually have only bad memories of it,” the Italian admits. He did not see the chequered flag in the race after a crash back then.
“But it’s great to be here now – as a MotoGP rider who has the opportunity to prove his potential even next year. “
