It's officially over between Marini and VR46

Luca Marini and Team VR46 have announced that they will part ways at the end of the season, with the Italian now expected to announce his move to Honda.

Published on 25/11/2023 à 10:17

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It's officially over between Marini and VR46

It's now official, Marini is leaving Team VR46 ©Mooney Vr46

This was no longer a secret in the paddock of MotoGP, but no official announcement had yet been made. It's now official, Luca Marini will leave Team VR46 after the Valencia Grand Prix, the last meeting of this 2023 season.

After six seasons of collaboration in the Motorcycle world championship, including three in the premier category, the Italian will leave the training of Valentino Rossi to focus on a new challenge. So we should more than likely find the number 10 in Honda colors next year.

“I spent most of my career in the league with this team, says Marini. There I experienced the most important moments for me so far. We grew up a lot together and had a lot of success.

The Valencia Grand Prix will be my last race with the VR46: I thought a lot before making this decision and I evaluated the new challenges I will face, He continues. I leave behind a fantastic team who contributed to my growth and my knowledge of the technical aspects and complexity that characterize this type of sport. It’s time to take a new path with our eyes on the future.”

The Ducati satellite team, as usual, announced the news with originality, by publishing a video of the different members of the team bidding farewell to the native of Urbino.

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mooney VR46 Racing Team (@vr46racingteam)

“I've really seen Luca grow since he was a kid, then from a motorsport perspective I've had the pleasure of seeing him become one of the strongest riders in MotoGP, adds Alessio Salucci, team director and friend of Valentino Rossi. I am happy to have shared six great seasons with him in this project.

Luca is an unrivaled professional, a technician, a true enthusiast before being a great worker, he still assures. It's a shame to let him go, he will be a really tough opponent in the future, but an opportunity like this is too important to pass up, and I sincerely wish him the best. »

Regarding Marco Bezzecchi's teammate for 2024, Salucci stressed this Friday that two options would be evaluated by Rossi in Valencia, the multiple world champion having made the trip to give his verdict.

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