Luca Marini to 'embrace a new path' as VR46 departure confirmed with Honda move expected as Marc Marquez replacement
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Published 25/11/2023 at 12:00 GMT
Mooney VR46 Racing Team have confirmed the departure of Luca Marini with a switch to Honda Respol to replace the outgoing Marc Marquez reportedly imminent. The Italian, who made his MotoGP debut in 2021, has spent six seasons at VR46 and is on course for his highest-ever finish this season. “It's time to embrace a new path with enthusiasm,” he said following the confirmation of his departure.
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Luca Marini will leave Mooney VR46 Racing Team at the end of the 2023 season with a reported switch to Honda Respol lined up.
The 26-year-old, who finished third in an Italian trio for his second-ever podium finish at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend, has spent six seasons at VR46 and will compete in his last race for the team at the Valencia GP on Sunday.
Following the confirmation of his departure, Marini gratefully reflected on his time at VR46.
“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,” Marini said. “We have grown a lot together and have gained a lot of satisfactions.
“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 sport.”
A statement from VR46 read: "The time has come for both parties to pursue ambitious goals and results following different paths. All the management, the team and the people involved in the project wish Luca the best for his future."
Now his VR46 exit is confirmed, Marini is expected to join Honda Respol to replace the outgoing Marc Marquez, who will join Gresini Racing ahead of the 2024 season after 11 years with Honda.
“It's time to embrace a new path with enthusiasm, without denying what has been, but with the eyes focused on the future,” Marini said on Saturday ahead of his reportedly imminent switch.
During his time at VR46, Marini rose through the ranks from Moto2 to become one of the strongest riders in MotoGP.
The Italian made his MotoGP debut in 2021 and finished 12th in the standings the following year.
He has earned two podium finishes - both coming in 2023 - with his first coming in America when he was second to Alex Rins before coming third in an Italian one-two-three behind Fabio Di Giannantonio and Francesco Bagnaia in Qatar last weekend.
Marini is currently seventh in the drivers’ standings and could climb as high as fifth with a maiden MotoGP victory in his final race for VR46 at the Valencia GP on Sunday.
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