Luca Marini has stated the 2026 Honda is “already better than the bike we have now,” following initial testing
Luca Marini has indeed expressed significant optimism about the development of the 2026 Honda MotoGP prototype, stating it is “already better than the bike we have now.” His bold comments reflect the intensive development work at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as they aim to return to the front of the grid in the MotoGP World Championship.
Key Takeaways from Luca Marini on Honda’s Future
The Italian rider’s feedback from early testing of the new Honda RC213V is a major morale boost for the Japanese factory. Marini is confident in the early results, believing the prototype for next year’s bike will be “even better” as development continues toward the 2026 MotoGP season.
Development Highlights for the RC213V
The progress is a continuation of the development trend Marini has observed since joining the factory Honda HRC team. He notes that the Japanese engineers are making small, but positive, improvements across the entire machine, focusing on key areas:
- Engine Performance: Marini specifically highlighted improvements in the MotoGP engine, noting that HRC has managed to add more power and overall performance without major trade-offs. Improving the engine is often the most challenging part of bike development.
- Chassis and Components: The bike is receiving updates to the chassis, swingarm, and aero package. Marini’s consistent feedback is proving invaluable as Honda works to build a more competitive RC213V platform.
- Targeted Weakness (Tire Grip): One critical area for improvement is extracting maximum grip from the rear tire during a time attack. Solving this will be essential for better qualifying performance and enabling the team to fight for MotoGP podiums consistently.
Marini has “really high expectations” for the 2026 Honda MotoGP bike and believes that if development continues on its current trajectory, the factory team can fight for top positions and ultimately challenge the dominance of other manufacturers. His commitment to the long-term Honda MotoGP project is key to the manufacturer’s strategy for getting the Honda RC213V competitive again.
Sources
Crash.net:
- For the core quote:
https://www.crash.net/motogp/news - For the announcement of the contract extension and related details:
https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1080583/1/hondas-2026-factory-motogp-line-confirmed-after-months-rumours
Autosport:
- For Marini’s high expectations and contract renewal details:
https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/marini-has-really-high-expectations-from-honda-for-motogp-2026/10755783 - For the contract renewal news:
https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/marini-signs-contract-extension-with-honda-ahead-of-motogp-2026/10755389
MotoGP.com (Honda Racing Corporation):
- For official confirmation of his 2026 contract:
https://motogp.hondaracingcorporation.com/report/honda-racing-corporation-and-luca-marini-extend-contract-to-2026/ - Another official MotoGP link confirming his 2026 contract:
https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2025/09/01/honda-racing-corporation-and-luca-marini-extend-contract-to-2026/757852
Motorsport.com:
- For the high expectations quote and development context:
https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/luca-marini-has-really-high-expectations-from-honda-for-2026-motogp-season/10755744/
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