The departure of Luca Marini from VR46 Racing at the conclusion of the 2023 MotoGP season has been officially confirmed. This development signifies a notable step as Marini readies himself for a transition to Honda. Before Valentino Rossi's team took over the grid slots in 2022, Marini made his debut in the premier class in 2021 with the VR46-backed portion of the Avintia squad. During his two years with VR46, Marini was a major success, finishing first in the United States and third in Qatar at the Grand Prix that year. Despite originally being contracted with VR46 for the 2024 season, Marini emerged as a prominent candidate for the available factory Honda position alongside Joan Mir during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend. At the Valencia Grand Prix on Saturday, it was announced that VR46 and Marini had parted ways.
MotoGP: Mooney VR46 Confirms Luca Marini's Exit
Taking to its social media realms, VR46 extended its best wishes to Luca Marini as he embarks on the next leg of his journey, hinting at an imminent announcement from the Honda side.
Team Director Alessio Salucc saidi: "I have really seen Luca grow, since he was a child, then from a motorsport point of view I had the pleasure of seeing him become one of the strongest riders in MotoGP. I'm happy to have shared six beautiful seasons with him in this project. From the first satisfactions in Moto2, the second place in the Championship in 2020, then the debut in MotoGP, the birth of our Team in the Top class and a 2023 where he managed to be a real protagonist. Luca is a professional with few equals, a technician, a true passionate enthusiast before being a rider and then a great worker. It is a pity to let him go, he will be a really tough opponent in the future, but an opportunity of this type is too much important not to be considered and I sincerely I wish him, together with the whole Team, the very best of luck."
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On his departure from VR46, Luca Marini said: "I spent most of my Championship career in this Team, so many of the most significant moments of my career so far are linked to this group of people. We have grown a lot together and have gained a lot of satisfaction. This will be my last race with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. I thought a lot before making this decision and evaluated the new challenges I will face. I leave behind a fantastic Team that contributed to my growth and knowledge of the technical aspects and complexity that characterise this kind of sport. It's time to embrace a new path with enthusiasm, without denying what has been, but with the eyes focused on the future"
MotoGP: Who will Replace Marini at VR46?
MotoGP's latest victor, Fabio Di Giannantonio, finds his aspirations for a spot on the 2024 grid gaining significant traction. Looking at the soon-to-be-vacant VR46 Ducati, it would appear that momentum is on his side.
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Di Giannantonio, who is been replaced by Marc Marquez at Gresini in the upcoming year, alluded to potential future prospects following his first triumph in Qatar last week. According to a report from Sky, there was an increase in anticipation when Diego Tavano, the manager of Di Giannantonio, emerged from a significant meeting in Valencia on Thursday with VR46. Tavano expressed a feeling of optimism regarding the potential acquisition of the highly desired bike.
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