MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Luca Marini has acknowledged significant progress from Honda over the winter, while identifying rear grip as the critical weakness to address ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season.
Marini concluded the Buriram pre-season test in 13th position, nearly eight tenths adrift of the benchmark lap set by Marco Bezzecchi. Although the headline result appeared modest, the Italian stressed that the underlying technical development of the RC213V represents a meaningful step forward.
“We changed many things and the bike has improved a lot, but the others have also improved,” Marini explained.
“If you take a step forward and the others do the same, you remain in the same position. To fight for victory, you need to take two and a half steps forward.”
According to Marini, Honda has made tangible gains in engine performance, aerodynamics and braking stability. However, rear grip—particularly during the final phase of corner entry and acceleration on corner exit—remains the limiting factor.
“Now the bike has improved in many areas like the engine, aerodynamics and braking, but we are still missing a bit of rear grip, especially at the end of corner entry and when accelerating,” he stated.
Marini believes the issue is technically solvable, though it requires time for parts production and further refinement, especially given the sensitive operating window of the Michelin rear tyre.
“We know how to solve it, because the Michelin tyre needs special care on corner exit. We just need a bit more time to produce the right parts.”
He echoed the assessment of team-mate Joan Mir, confirming that traction continues to be Honda’s Achilles’ heel despite broader improvements.
From a performance standpoint, Marini offered a nuanced perspective. He suggested that race pace simulations indicate potential to fight inside the top five, but qualifying remains a decisive weakness due to the time attack deficit.
“In race pace we are quite competitive and can fight for the top five, but it’s difficult if you start from the back,” he admitted.
Looking ahead to the opening rounds, Marini set a pragmatic target of finishing within the top seven or eight. He highlighted the strength of the six Ducati riders on the grid, noting that they appear to have taken another step compared to last year.
Honda’s development trajectory now focuses on progressively reducing the lap time deficit, which stood at around one second per lap last season. The immediate objective is to close that gap incrementally before consistently challenging for podium positions once again.
Baca Juga
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