Luca Marini Strengthens Signals to Join Yamaha Next Season

Luca Marini is rumored to be moving from Honda to Yamaha next season (Instagram/@lucamarini10).

JAKARTA - Luca Marini strengthens the signal to leave Honda and join Yamaha next season amid so many rumors related to the transfer market of riders that are expected to explode in the next few days.

Rumors linking Marini with Honda were first reported by Spanish journalist Mela Chercoles. When asked about the rumor, Marini did not deny it, but instead signaled that the transfer would happen.

"I don't know anything, but it's true that in terms of developing a bike, I am (one of the best riders)," the Italian rider said as quoted by Crash.

Currently, Yamaha is in the development phase of their latest V4 motorcycle. However, their first preseason at the beginning of this year was less than encouraging.

Thus, the Japanese manufacturer needs a reliable developer rider in the team. The qualification is in Marini, who is considered the best developer rider on the grid today.

Marini, 38, proved to have won the hearts of Honda during his tenure due to his analytical approach, which helped accelerate the development of the RC213V. However, at this time Honda is said to be looking for superstars to fulfill their ambitions so that Marini's position is not clear.

Honda HRC Castrol doesn't have much room to maneuver on the grid. Their current LCR duo, Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira, are still under contract until 2027. Therefore, Fabio Quartararo's name has recently emerged as a target.

Quartararo of course only fills one seat in the Factory team so they still need one other name. Although more consistent last year, Marini does not have the incredible speed of his teammate, Joan Mir.

Thus, Marini is likely to leave Yamaha to fill the seat that will be left by Quartararo. If that happens, he could be one team with Jorge Martin at the tala fork factory.