Luca Marini
Luca Marini, half brother of Valentino Rossi, A front-row start at home in Misano and a top five finish in Austria gave him a boost heading into 2022 with the new Mooney VR46 Racing squad. The Italian showed good consistency by finishing inside the top six on seven separate occasions but, despite crossing the line fourth two times, a debut premier class podium still eluded him. Can he do it in 2023?
Rider ProfileLuca Marini, half brother of Valentino Rossi, A front-row start at home in Misano and a top five finish in Austria gave him a boost heading into 2022 with the new Mooney VR46 Racing squad. The Italian showed good consistency by finishing inside the top six on seven separate occasions but, despite crossing the line fourth two times, a debut premier class podium still eluded him. Can he do it in 2023?
Rider Profile-
Puig: We've studied Marini's progress and felt he was a good fit
The HRC Team Manager reacts to signing the Italian on a two year deal, and what it means going forward
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What role can title rivals' stablemates play on final day?
Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin will go wheel-to-wheel for the Championship in Valencia, and it seems help from Ducati colleagues might be in short supply
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Marini: "My rear tyre finished after four laps"
The poleman issues warning after "really hard race", says tyre management will be key on Sunday
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"It wasn't easy!" - Tissot Sprint reactions
Martin, Di Giannatonio and Marini reflect on the first points-winning contest at the GP of Qatar
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"It's a good moment for us" - Parc ferme reactions
Hear from the front row after Luca Marini broke the lap record to seal pole in the Qatar GP ahead of Di Giannantonio & Alex Marquez
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MotoGP™ Podcast: Luca Marini
The Italian sits down for a chat about his journey in MotoGP™, the effect of his brother Valentino Rossi on his career and answers some fan questions
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"It's a pleasure to be in this situation" - Marini talks Honda rumours
The VR46 rider remained relatively tight-lipped on a potential switch to Repsol Honda in 2024, but refused to rule out the move completely
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UNHEARD: "This time I won't change anything!"
Join the Tissot Sprint top three on their way to the podium as Jorge Martin promises to not repeat past mistakes in Thailand
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"When Brad is behind you, you change everything!" - Marini
Admitting a front row was start was key to his Sprint podium, the Italian reflected on what it is like to battle with Brad Binder on track
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"My plan was like that" - Tissot Sprint reactions
Martin, Binder and Marini reflect on their podium joy from Saturday's action at the Thai GP
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"I'm just looking at myself. I'm strong" - Parc ferme reactions
Hear from the front row after Jorge Martin broke the lap record to seal pole position ahead of Luca Marini and Aleix Espargaro at the Thai GP
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REACTION: Two long laps for Binder after Marini & Oliveira clashes
The South African was penalised twice for separate incidents, and the three riders involved discuss the dramatic moments in Indonesia
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"I'm hoping they reduce the laps!" - Marini broken but not beaten
Admitting his collarbone injury couldn't have come at a worse time, the VR46 added a Sprint podium to his first-ever MotoGP™ pole on Indonesia
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
HIGHLIGHTS: Marini claims debut day honours in India
The Italian leads the charge into Saturday at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India, and he'll be joined by some big names ahead of qualifying
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Marini reveals key behind Friday P1 in India
The Mooney VR46 rider claimed opening day honours at Buddh International Circuit, but believes another step is needed to compete at the front
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FIRST WORDS: Marini reacts to extending VR46 deal
The Mooney VR46 rider extended his deal into 2024, and revealed why he opted not to push for a seat aboard the available Pramac factory bike
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Bravo! Rossi salutes Mooney VR46 duo in Austria
Both riders completed moves past Alex Marquez which earned Marco Bezzecchi another MotoGP™ podium and Luca Marini P4 on a big day for the academy
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REACTION: Marini vents frustrations as Martin pleads case
Inconsistent decisions have drawn the ire of the Italian after he crashed out of the podium places at the expense of his Spanish counterpart
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Double disaster for VR46 as Marini crashes out of podium places
There was major disappointment for the Italian as he fell out of contention with Valentino Rossi watching on
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CONTACT: Quartararo loses front fairing after clashing with Marini
The Frenchman’s hopes of a top 10 from the back of the grid ended after he ran into the Mooney VR46 rider at Turn 4 in the closing stages
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One to One with Luca - Mid season 2023
Marini provides an overview of the ongoing season, sharing his feelings, emotions, and setting his goals for the remainder of the season.
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Wounded warriors A. Espargaro and Marini battle to Q2 places
Both riders fought through significant pain barriers on Friday but have had to adapt their riding styles to avoid aggravating their issues
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In Conversation With… Luca Marini
The Mooney VR46 starlet opens up on internal team rivalries and being the subject of much acclaim from a MotoGP™ Legend
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Marquez and Marini dissect their dramatic Turn 4 clash
Both riders ok, they talk us through the incident that shook up the podium battle
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FREE: Marini & Alex Marquez contact sees both go down
A fine save attempt at Turn 4 from Marini unfortunately led to Alex Marquez having nowhere to go as both their races end early in France
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Marini: I saw Rins make mistakes & I thought about victory
Delighted by his maiden MotoGP™ Grand Prix podium, the Italian reflected on his growth as a rider and analysis just how he claimed a P2
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"I thought revenge was possible!" - Rins Vs Marini & Rossi
Sunday's race winner once again got the better of the Italian family at COTA, four years on from his last success against Valentino Rossi
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas: Press Conference
The riders that made the headlines at the Austin Grand Prix share their thoughts and emotions after round 3
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UNHEARD: "The Yamaha on the straight is as fast as me!"
The Tissot Sprint podium trio had plenty of plaudits for Franco Morbidelli as they were carted off towards their celebrations in Argentina
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Marini: Even with slipstream, I couldn't pass Morbidelli!
Despite P3 in the Sprint, the Italian needs "2 or 3 tenths" to fight for GP race victory as Morbidelli proves to be a tricky customer
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"S***, I surprised myself!" – Termas’ Sprint top 3 react
Hear from Binder, Bezzecchi and Marini as they briefly dissect their superb efforts after another unbelievable Tissot MotoGP™ Sprint
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"A bad day" - Marini wishes Bastianini well after torrid run
The VR46 rider wiped out his Ducati counterpart in the Sprint, compounding a difficult day for the Italian despite a Q2 appearance
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Marini crash wipes out Bastianini in Tissot Sprint
The factory Ducati was left helpless as his VR46 counterpart took him out during the first-ever MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint in Portimao
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Gravel trap to Q2: Marini reflects on brilliant recovery
The Italian seemed out of the reckoning after a P2 crash and the clock ticking, but a superb late effort puts him in the battle for pole
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Portuguese GP: Mir, Miller, Zarco, Marini
All four riders discuss their hopes and expectations for the upcoming season in a Press Conference in Portimao
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Marini "feeling incredible" as he eyes testing hat-trick
The Valencia and Sepang Test pacesetter assesses another hugely positive day on track ahead of Sunday’s testing curtain closer
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"We want to fight for victory" - Marini throws down gauntlet
Chasing a testing hat-trick, the VR46 ace is confident of breaking his podium duck in 2023 even though he is on the same bike as last year
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Marini raring to go: "My Sprint simulation went really well"
The fastest man at the Sepang Test threw ten laps together all under the lap record as he gears up for a year fighting at the front
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Luca Marini: "Next year, we need to fight for wins"
It's an all-round Luca Marini, who takes stock of the season that has just ended. General feelings, expectations, weaknesses...
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Marini claims he has to improve despite "best ever FP2"
The Italian has flown out of the blocks in Valencia as he tops the timesheets but believes competition will be stiffer on Saturday morning
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"A bit strange" - Marini and Quartararo play cat and mouse
The two react to their on track games during FP2, with the Italian keen to explain why he wanted to follow the World Champion
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"Ducati are strong. Every spec is fast and can win"
Luca Marini responds to news that he won't have a full factory spec bike in 2023
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FIRST WORDS: Marini talks his "love" for Mooney VR46
The Italian will be remaining with The Doctor's premier class outfit and Ducati in 2023 after signing a new deal
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Marini: After a different journey, I can fight with the best
The Italian took a career best P4 in Austria and continues to grow in stature and confidence in the premier class
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Fist Half of Season: Luca Marini
t's time to take the first stock also for Luca Marini. After a difficult kick-off, he has improved race after race...
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"I had podium pace" - Marini coming of age in MotoGP™
The VR46 rider secured a third consecutive top six finish but feels more was on offer if he had qualified higher up on the grid in Germany
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Q2 Marini's target after Ducati's "great day" in Germany
The VR46 rider ended the opening day's action in P2 but is still encountering some hard tyre issues during his longer runs
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Marini: You never know what can happen in MotoGP™!
Surprise results are the flavour of the day in Mugello, and despite easing expectations, the Italian is hopeful of another on Sunday
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Marini: "This front row is for my team"
The Italian rider praises his team, who turned around a 2-day bike build job in just 8 hours
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In conversation with… Luca Marini
Believing he's on a better bike in an exciting project under Valentino Rossi's guidance, the VR46 rider talks 2022 race ambitions and more
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Home sweet home: Marini magic seals maiden front row start
The rookie rider feels there's no better place than home to record a career-best qualifying result and complete a Ducati lockout in Misano
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"The Desmoelectric!" - Ducati riders react to MotoE™ deal
The Bologna bullets' premier class stars have their say on the deal which sees Ducati become the sponsor of electric class World Cup
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Luca Marini: I'm struggling physically with the Ducati
Having completed every race in his rookie season, the Italian feels he is capable of more once he gets to grips with the demands of the GP21
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Marini: I'm riding the Ducati how I want to
The rookie secured a second-best career qualifying result to take P9 and feels he is growing into the role of a premier class rider
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Luca Marini on: being a rookie, Rossi inspiration and 2022
The SKY VR46 Avintia rider explains how his maiden MotoGP™ season is going, what it's like riding with his brother Rossi and plenty more
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Marini and Bastianini's journey to Misano
Follow the VR46 academy stars as the San Marino GP beckons on an important weekend for the Italian crowd riders in the MotoGP™ Paddock
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Closer than ever: Marini denied debut podium by late drama
The rookie gambled with slick tyres as the rain fell and was only three corners away from a first MotoGP™ rostrum
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Moto2™ title contenders preview a tense season finale
Bastianini, Lowes, Marini and Bezzecchi all have their say ahead of the title-decider in Portimao
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"It's a dream come true" - Marini on 2021 MotoGP™ switch
The Moto2™ star talks his move to the premier class next season and what it will be like to share the track with brother Valentino Rossi
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Marini's monster highside forces out the red flags in Moto2™
The World Championship leader suffered one of the biggest highsides in recent memory as he flicked left through Turn 5 in Le Mans
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"He has a chance to go to MotoGP in 2021" - Rossi on Marini
It looks like the 41-year-old's half brother will be moving to Esponsorama Racing in 2021 to partner fellow Italian starlet Enea Bastianini
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"It’s a dream" - Marini on interest from Pramac Racing
The SKY Racing Team VR46 rider says it's "an honour" to be considered for the premier class after being linked to Ducati
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Marini "a little bit angry" after mistake cost him pole
The SKY Racing Team VR46 rider explains he touched the limiter on his flying lap, which meant he didn't take pole
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Marini in "good shape" after ending the first day third
The Italian also admits he will try work with his new teammate Marco Bezzecchi during qualifying on Saturday
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Viñales the good samaritan saving Marini's pole campaign
The Sky Racing Team VR46 rider nearly went out in Q2 without his knee sliders but, thankfully, the Yamaha rider came to the rescue!
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Big crash takes Marini and Bastianini out of podium fight
FREE: Disaster for the Italians! Marini takes out Bastianini in their fight for second and third! The podium fight is on in Austria!
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Marini: "We've grown up a lot this season"
A first Moto2™ victory for the Italian, and what a convincing win it was!
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
The conversation with Rossi that woke up Luca Marini
Three Moto2™ podiums in a row for the Italian rider, who talks about joining the Sky VR46 Team and life as Valentino Rossi's half-brother
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Marini: "I gave it my all, 100%! It was a pleasure"
Two podiums in a row for the SKY Racing Team VR46 rider after an amazing last lap battle at Brno
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Marini: "It was an honour to fight with two world champions"
The SKY Racing Team VR46 rider takes his first ever podium in motorcycle racing. He talks us through the joy of riding in a spectacular race
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Follow the Forward Racing Team presentation live!
You can't come over to our team presentation? No, problem! Tune in ⏩ 08-02-2017 at 18.30
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MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Marini celebrates exam results
Moto2™ rider and Valentino Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini shares his excitement at passing his exams.