Although the upcoming Thai Grand Prix marks the start of a new season in MotoGP, Luca Marini thinks the stage has already been set as he assesses Honda’s chances of a strong result.
Honda She had plenty of positives from what on the surface looked like a very disappointing campaign by the Japanese developer’s standards.
However, despite finishing fourth out of five manufacturers in the standings, Honda’s development direction seems to be moving in the right direction.
In fact Luca Marini He finished seventh in the final round of last year’s season. Honda has moved up in the MotoGP discounts ranks.It is the first step since the sport’s governing body overhauled its system in 2023.
The Italian rider was hoping for another step forward for the Asaka-based outfit in the new campaign, but insists no surprises are in store. Grand Prix of Thailand.
Could we have a surprise winner at the Thai Grand Prix?
Luca Marini thinks podium for 2026 MotoGP season-opener ‘already decided’
Following the completion of pre-season testing, the half-brother of the MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi He gave a verdict on what fans can expect when the flag comes down in Buriram.
Marini said through Speed ​​week“I’m looking forward to the race to see where everyone stands. At the moment, many riders can fight for the top five. The stage is already decided.”
“Qualifying will be very important, so we have to prepare well for it. I think our potential is easily for the top seven, maybe more if we can improve a few things on the bike in the next few days.”
Although Marini is not sure about the possibility of being a real contender for victory in Thailand, the boss of the team Alberto Puig Honda is confident of securing victory. In the future word in pure use.
Johann Zarko He managed to bring some success to the constructor last year, winning the race at Le Mans.
Nothing should be taken away from the Frenchman’s impressive performance in the rain, but the front runners on the grid were unable to properly stretch their legs in the torrential rain that hit the Bugatti circuit that weekend.
Marc Marquez was the overwhelming favorite for the Thai Grand Prix at the start of pre-season, however Ducati star’s ‘foolish’ test crashes show a shadow of vulnerability. When entering a meaningful period of the campaign.
What is your podium prediction for the Thai Grand Prix?
Luca Marini is still in the dark over his MotoGP future with Honda for the 2027 season.
The main talking points leading into the new season were regarding the MotoGP driver market.
Reports from Spain suggest that things have exploded Fabio Quatararo was finalizing a contract to join Honda. For 2027, many expected riders are looming behind.
Realizing that the Italian is now Honda’s flag bearer, he has left the team in question.
Marini is known to be a teammate of Quartararo A new era for the new premier class regulations, but the Japanese constructor has also been linked with bringing several other riders into the fold.
Where the 28-year-old will ride next year, there is no better window to shop than the upcoming season.
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