Luca Marini Unveils Problems On Honda

Italian racer Luca Marini who raced for Honda (Instagram/@lucamarini10).

JAKARTA Luca Marini revealed the problems Honda still has, causing the Japanese manufacturer to lag far behind other riders in the pre-season test.

Valentino Rossi's younger brother felt satisfied while riding a RC213V motorcycle. However, he admitted that his mount still had shortcomings.

"It seems that the distance is still far, but the feeling on the motorbike today has improved. So, on the one hand I am satisfied," Luca Marini was quoted as saying by Crash.

"However, what is certain is that the gap is very large. Especially when we want to install new tires, soft tires, we can't wear them well," said the former VR46 racer.

The Italian racer was 1.7 seconds adrift of Francesco Bagnaia on the last day of the Qatar MotoGP test. He had difficulty competing and was only able to finish in 20th position.

The same fate was experienced by three other Honda personnel who finished close together. Johann Zarco is in 17th position, Takaaki Nakagami is in 18th position, and Joan Mir is in 19th place.

Marini explained that Honda's problems were in the grip of the rear tire, especially as it approached, in the middle, and when it was about to get out of the corner.

"What is certain is that there are shortcomings in several other things on the bike. However, for now, the grip doesn't allow us to be fast and strong, especially with soft rear tires and used tires," he said.

Marini decided to move to Honda after the 2023 MotoGP was completed. He came to the factory to replace Marc Marquez who decided to leave for Ducati Gresini.