MotoGP: Marini replaces Marc Marquez at Honda on a two-year deal

Italian Marini, 26, has been racing for Rossi’s VR46 Ducati team since 2021. He was runner-up in the Moto2 championship in 2020.

Third-placed, Ducati rider Luca Marini, of Italy, holds the trophy as celebrates on the podium end of the Qatari MotoGP Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP

Valentino Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini will replace Marc Marquez at the factory Honda MotoGP team next season, the Japanese manufacturer announced on Monday.

Six times MotoGP world champion Marquez has joined his brother Alex at Ducati satellite team Gresini Racing.

“Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of Luca Marini for the 2024 and 2025 MotoGP World Championship seasons,” Honda said in a statement.

Italian Marini, 26, has been racing for Rossi’s VR46 Ducati team since 2021. He was runner-up in the Moto2 championship in 2020.

He will partner Spaniard Joan Mir, the 2020 MotoGP champion with Suzuki, at the Repsol Honda team.

Nine-time world champion Rossi, now retired, won three of his seven titles in the top category with Honda from 2001-03.