Luca Marini became the first rider from the VR46 Racing Team in MotoGP to join a factory team in the premier class, moving to Repsol Honda in 2024. It is a significant milestone in Valentino Rossi’s team project, fulfilling one of its goals with the VR46 Riders Academy riders.
Director Uccio Salucci assured GPOne.com that he was pleased with Marini’s move despite the late confirmation, emphasizing that it aligns with the project’s vision:
– Since the MotoGP project was born, Valentino and I have always said to each other that we are here to bring the Academy riders to the factory teams. So, I am happy for Luca, because we were consistent with our project. We pushed to keep [Marco] Bezzecchi with us because he was another satellite team, but for Luca, except for the problem that happened in November, I am happy. He will be at HRC, I can’t help but I am happy.
