Marini Secures Contract Extension with Honda Through 2026

Luca Marini has officially signed a contract extension with Honda’s MotoGP factory team, ensuring his place alongside Joan Mir through the end of the current regulations cycle in 2026.

Credit: iMotorbike.com

The 28-year-old Italian, who moved to Honda HRC in 2024 after three seasons with VR46 Ducati, has seen marked improvement in performance this year. Through 12 rounds, he has tripled his points tally from 2024 and scored in every race he has started. His standout weekend came at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he achieved a career-best fourth in the Sprint and fifth in the Grand Prix.

From Honda’s perspective, retaining Marini represents a move toward continuity and consolidation. HRC General Manager Taichi Honda praised Marini’s professionalism, analytical approach, and the valuable feedback he's provided to engineers in developing the RC213V.

For Marini, the extension cements his commitment to helping Honda return to the front of the MotoGP championship. He emphasized that both he and HRC had been aligned on the future for weeks, describing his enthusiasm for continuing the project in a factory setting as a major motivational boost.

Marini’s renewed deal also brings roster stability for Honda, as he joins Joan Mir as confirmed riders for the 2026 season, a contrast to speculation around other riders like Jorge Martín during the off-season.

Although Marini suffered severe injuries in a crash while testing at Suzuka earlier in the season—including a dislocated hip, fractured bones, and a pneumothorax—he made a strong return with a sixth-place finish at the German GP and continued strong form thereafter.

Backing Marini through 2026 gives Honda a clear development path leading up to the end of the current technical regulations—allowing continuity and focus on refining the machine rather than reshuffling the rider lineup.