Luca Marini Extends MotoGP Stay with Honda Until 2026

The Italian rider signs a new one-year deal as Honda confirms stability in its factory line-up alongside Joan Mir.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

On the eve of the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) confirmed that Luca Marini will remain with the factory team until the end of the current MotoGP rule cycle. The Italian has signed a new one-year contract extension, ensuring he stays with Honda through the 2026 season.

The announcement means Honda’s line-up remains unchanged, with Marini riding alongside 2020 world champion Joan Mir, who is already contracted until the end of 2026.

“I am very happy to make this announcement and remain with Honda HRC,” said Marini. “We have been aligned on the future for a while, and I’m completely invested in this project to help Honda return to the front in MotoGP. Since joining in 2024, we’ve continued to improve step by step, and the motivation of working with a factory like Honda HRC is incredible. The focus now is to keep improving until the last lap in Valencia.”

Marini, 28, joined Honda in 2024 after three years at VR46 Ducati, taking over the seat vacated by Marc Márquez. While results have been limited due to the RC213V’s struggles, Honda values Marini’s technical feedback and analytical approach, with his best result being fifth place at the Hungarian GP in Balaton Park earlier this season.

His future was effectively secured after Honda’s attempts to sign reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martín from Aprilia fell through, forcing the manufacturer to hold its current line-up until at least 2027.

HRC General Manager Taichi Honda praised Marini’s professionalism: “Luca has shown a high level of dedication throughout. His clear and precise feedback has been very useful for our engineers, and he has proven himself as a valuable asset to Honda’s MotoGP project.”

Alongside the factory team news, Honda also confirmed that Johann Zarco will remain with LCR Honda until 2027. The Frenchman, who delivered a sensational win at the French GP in Le Mans, has been Honda’s top performer since joining in 2024 and currently sits ninth in the championship standings.

“I’m very pleased to confirm I will stay with LCR for the next two years,” Zarco said. “We’ve achieved one victory already, and I believe we can keep building towards more. Honda and LCR have given me great support, and I want to repay that with strong results.”

The identity of Zarco’s team-mate for 2026 remains unconfirmed, but reports suggest Moto2 rider Diogo Moreira is set to replace Somkiat Chantra, whose performances have fallen short of expectations.