Marini renews contract with factory Honda for MotoGP 2026

Luca Marini has signed a new contract with Honda’s MotoGP factory team, staying onboard alongside Joan Mir until the end of the current regulations cycle, Autosport has learned.

Having made his MotoGP debut in 2021, starting with three seasons at VR46 Ducati, Marini joined HRC last year, profiting from Marc Marquez’ decision to split with Honda before the final year of his contract.

Since then, Marini’s best result has been sixth at the Sachsenring earlier this month, which followed a three-round absence after he injured himself in a test ahead of the Suzuka 8 Hours.

Halfway through the 2025 season, Valentino Rossi’s half-brother is 15th in the standings – the second-best Honda rider, leading team-mate Mir with 52 points to 32.

After finishing 12th in Brno on Sunday, asked if he hoped to get a clearer idea of his future by the end of the summer break, Marini said: “That has never been my goal, because I think we have always understood each other.” Autosport understands that he already knew he was going to stay with Honda.

This was the expected outcome after Honda failed to extract Jorge Martin from his Aprilia contract for 2026. Autosport understands the reigning world champion remains HRC’s main target for 2027, when new technical regulations are introduced.

Joan Mir, Honda HRC, Luca Marini, Honda HRC

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

With its factory team pairing now signed, Honda is working for Johann Zarco to keep spearheading its satellite LCR project. Meanwhile, Somkiat Chantra has every chance of leaving Lucio Cecchinello's team after a disappointing first half of 2025 having scored just one point.

Due to the huge speed differential between Chantra and other Honda riders, the brand’s engineers cannot use the data from its Thai rider, which is deemed unacceptable at a time when Honda is trying to reduce the margin that separates it from Ducati.

The lack of competitive Asian candidates has caused Honda to rethink its commitment to Idemitsu, the main sponsor of that LCR bike, to sign a rider from that continent.