Marini and the Honda dream: “It's something that comes from destiny” | FP

First year without Marquez

A new era has begun for the team HRC, which is preparing to compete in the 2024 season for the first time since 2013 without Marc Marquez. At the Warner Music Station in Madrid, the Japanese team officially presented the Honda RC213V with the new pair of drivers formed by Joan Mir and the new entry Luca Mariniwho came to replace Marquez after his experience in the VR46 team.

New livery for new goals

The Minato house also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the partnership with the main sponsor Repsoleven if this year's livery is practically revolutionary compared to those seen in previous seasons, with a prevalence of Honda's historic colors (blue, red and white) and the downsizing of the sponsor, now located in the lower part of the hull. What matters most now, however, is not so much the aesthetics of the RC213V, but rather Honda's mission to return to the top of the world rankings after a period of crisis seen also last year.

First positive signs in Sepang

A goal fully shared by the 2020 world champion Mirin his second season in HRC: “It's fantastic to be part of a team with such history and success in MotoGP – he has declared – I'm as excited to start this season with the Repsol Honda Team as I was last season. These team launches are always very nice, especially to see what everyone thinks of the new design. I think this year's colors are really different and very bold, definitely something unique for the team. We had a positive first taste of the bike and a productive five days in Sepang, now we have to look ahead to the tests in Qatar and the race. Last year taught me a lot and I want to put everything into practice for this year to help the Repsol Honda Team get back to where I know it can be. Let's enjoy this moment and quickly prepare for the season to come.”

Marini's dream

On the other hand, a new experience opens up for Marini, ready to compete in his fourth season in MotoGP after three years spent riding the Ducati between Esponsarama Racing and VR46. Furthermore, the rider from Urbino is still hunting for his first career victory in the premier class: “For me It's an honor to join the Repsol Honda Team – he added – when I was little I already had skins with their colors to race with minibikes. Now to be here, at the launch, with the skins and with the motorbike it's a dream come true, something that comes from destiny. This bike is really beautiful, the colors are very new and I am proud to represent them. We are only at the beginning of our journey together, but I already feel part of the team and well supported by the engineers. I only rode the bike for six days, so let's try to make the most of the last test and start the year in the best possible way.”