Luca Marini says he's 'talking' to Repsol Honda about replacing Marc Marquez - 'A good opportunity for my career'

Luca Marini says his “target and dream” is to work with a factory team and that his representatives are in talks with Repsol Honda about a move from Mooney VR46.

The Italian, who sits eighth in the MotoGP Championship standings with two rounds remaining of the 2023 season, has been touted as a replacement for outgoing legend Marc Marquez at Honda. The 30-year-old is switching to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season.

Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the Grand Prix of Qatar from November 17 to 19, Marini did little to downplay the speculation.

“We will see. Now they are talking, my management and Honda, but there’s nothing more than what we already said,” Marini said.

“I think we need a little bit more time, even if there is no time, because Valencia is here [the final GP of the season on November 24-26].

“The best thing I can do is just focus 100% on my GP this weekend. This is a track I really like, and Ducati is performing in a great way here every year, so we need to fight to achieve a great result.”

Pressed on a potential move after two years with Mooney VR46, the 26-year-old admitted he is interested.

“It’s a big decision, like every decision that can change your situation,” Marini said.

“I’m feeling really great with the team this season, we enjoy a lot. It’s just a good opportunity for my career, for my future.

“My target and my dream was every time to go to a factory team and work with a manufacturer, to try and develop a great bike and improve myself as a rider and a person.

“That’s it. We will see if this happens or not, but I’m very calm and happy.”

A more pressing concern for Marini is the GP of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit, where Marini is bidding for his second podium of the season and first since coming second at the GP of the Americas in Round 3.

Marini predicts a balanced race, where Jorge Martin [Prima Pramac] will look to reel in Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia [Ducati Lenovo], with the pair separated by 14 points ahead of the penultimate race weekend.

“I expect everybody will be competitive. Aprilia in this track can be strong, because they have a lot of grip in the rear, and also KTM, so maybe we can see different manufacturers on this year’s podium,” said Marini.

“But I think also Ducati is performing very well and is in great shape with the factory team.

“Also, Pramac are fighting for the championship with Jorge so they for sure will fight for victory at this track and I’ll do my best to be in the battle.”

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