MotoGP Argentina Day 2, Luca Marini (Honda Q16/S13) is reassured: “The results of Mir and Zarco show that we are progressing”

Everyone sees Honda making rapid progress in Argentina, including Luca Marini. However, unlike Johann Zarco or Joan Mir, the Italian is unable to squeeze as much performance out of the RC213V. Qualifying 16th, he could only manage 13th in the Sprint, without earning a single point. While Marini doesn't crash often, the difference in pace between him and his teammates—except for rookie Somkiat Chantra—is starting to show. Luca, the eternal optimist, wants to see the positive side of things and the notable progress his employer has made recently.

Luca Marini is failing to exploit the potential of his new package. "I had a good start to the Sprint race and managed to gain some ground. In MotoGP, it's very close, so when you're further back, you have to do everything right from the start. Yesterday was a little less than we expected, honestly. » he confided at the end of Saturday's day.

 

 

It lacks grip – and performance – almost everywhere, which makes analysis all the more difficult. “In qualifying as in the race, I was hoping for something more, but we're looking for rear grip » he continued. Seeing Johann Zarco perform like this with a bike he discovered at the same time as him (early 2024) must not be easy mentally.

 

 

Yet, as usual, he remains hopeful and highlights the progress of his classmates. "We have to check it overnight and find a solution for the warm-up. The results from Mir and Zarco show the progress we are making » he concluded. This is factually true, but many people at Honda are probably waiting for him to start scoring points with this well-bred bike too.

Do you think Luca Marini can improve drastically as the season progresses? Tell us in the comments!

2025 Argentine Grand Prix Sprint Result:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport