Luca Marini on how Honda’s trust in Marc Marquez backfired in MotoGP

The Spaniard was able to eclipse Mick Doohan’s former records at the factory Honda team in a matter of just seven years as a MotoGP rider, winning all but one of the championships he competed in.

And now seven-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo believes there is still one thing he may never add to his CV before retiring.

Luca Marini believes Honda’s decline in MotoGP was due to their reliance on Marc Marquez

Speaking with Motorsport.com, Marini addressed questions about Honda’s renewed competitiveness in the top tier of the sport.

When asked about his role in the team’s progress, he said: “In so many ways, honestly. Since I’ve been at Honda, a lot has changed. Especially the way we work.

“We’ve improved it substantially; now we have more people compared to before when there were very few staff working for the team and the riders. I’ve also helped a lot technically with the bike.

“I think my biggest contribution has been trying to give all the engineers answers. Not just asking or requesting, but trying together with them to find answers to every problem.”

Honda are close to climbing up the concessions ladder after steady progress behind the scenes. But Marini feels that their issues started long before he arrived, pointing back to how heavily they depended on Marquez during his time with the team.

Reflecting on 2023 and Honda’s uncertain direction at that time, he added: “You could say it that way too.”

“I like to race and win races, to work meticulously on every aspect, and always push to the limit. In past years there was a lot of confidence in Marc because thanks to his talent he was able to provide what was missing from this bike,” but they lost their way a bit with technical development.”

READ MORE:Luca Marini explains why Ducati have dominated MotoGP for years and gives his Luigi Dall’Igna verdict

Luca Marini says the technical side of MotoGP is his real passion

The Italian was asked about his reputation in the paddock as an engineer who just happens to race.

Asked whether his involvement is simply part of being a rider, or if it’s something he truly enjoys, Marini said, “Everyone is different. Personally, I really enjoy the technical side of motorcycles.

“It’s always been my passion, and I like to find the maximum performance from the bike from a technical standpoint.

“Sometimes it’s a problem because there are riders who don’t know anything about the bike; they don’t know anything at a technical level. They push to the limit, and if the bike works and everything is fine, perfect. But I like to know, understand, and learn how the bike works.”

Jack Miller also shares that enthusiasm for bikes. According to journalist Peter Bom, Miller’s detailed feedback played a key role in Yamaha’s decision to keep him on for another year heading into 2026.