VR46 boss Uchio Salucci says Joan Mir’s performances ‘are worthless’ compared to Luca Marini’s at Honda

Predict the order of Honda riders in the 2026 MotoGP rankings

The Italian scored his only two podiums with the team in 2023, a best finish of eighth in the sport. For 2024 Marini decided to release VR46. And joining HondaAfter looking to revive their MotoGP project.

It hasn’t been an easy journey for the 28-year-old, who scored just 14 points in 2024. But Marini helped Honda take a step forward in 2025, scoring points in all but one race he competed in, and his P7 at Valencia moved the team up to C in the concession system.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Luca Marini, from pure worth to half-brother

Uccio Salucci says Joan Mir’s performances are ‘unhelpful’ to Honda, while Luca Marini is ‘reviving’ them.

Marini has played a key role in bringing Honda back to the forefront of MotoGP after years of restructuring. The team is looking to continue that trend into the 850cc era. Honda has signed Fabio Quattro for 2027.

The 2026 season opener in Thailand saw Marini finish P10. Joan Mir He retired on the final stage with a rear tire failure. The Spaniard had been running well all weekend, but luck was not on his side.

Mir has struggled mightily for consistency since joining Honda. In the year He retired from 12 races in 2025, scoring two podiums.

Was Uccio Salucci too cruel to Joan Mir?

Marini’s form in Honda’s discussion with a journalist Giovanni ZammagniVR46 boss Salucci He praised the Italian and how he improved with the Japanese manufacturer. It was here that Mir put it down harshly, calling the show ‘useless’ to the team.

“Marini is reviving HRC, because it’s true that Mir does a bit better at times, but those performances don’t matter in my opinion,” he said.

“Marini, on the other hand, is leading the orchestra of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, so he turned out to be, as I always thought, a great person and a great rider.”