Luca Marini confirms move to KTM Tech3 for 2027 after Honda exit

Ahead of the Aragon Grand Prix, KTM Tech3 confirmed Luca Marini as a rider for the 2027 season, securing the Italian’s future in MotoGP and giving the team a clear target for the next step forward. The move comes after Honda’s recent announcement of new signings for 2026, with Fabio Quartararo and David Alonso presented as part of the manufacturer’s plans. With that direction set, Marini understood that he would need to find a new team, and Speedweek also notes that Joan Mir would be leaving HRC as well.

Marini said that when Honda informed him of their decision, he initially felt disappointed but ultimately accepted it. “When I spoke with Honda and they told me their decision, I was a little sad. But I understood it and accepted it,” he said in Aragon. Looking beyond the immediate situation, he framed the change as a new opportunity and described a strong sense of motivation for the project at KTM Tech3. “I’m fully motivated for the new project. I’m very excited to give my best there as well. I know exactly what I, as a rider and as a person, did for Honda. We put a lot of work into everything—not only the bike. I’m very satisfied with what we achieved, and I enjoy being in my box with such great people. Everyone gave me something and I learned a lot. I want to keep working like this in this season and give my best,” Marini added.

The 29-year-old is widely associated with a technical approach and a strong work ethic, qualities that have made him a valuable development rider during his time with Honda. With that in mind, Speedweek reports that Marini was asked whether he expects to take on a similar role at Tech3 as he did within the Honda factory setup. His response pointed to the uncertainty of the new era coming in 2027, with major changes to regulations and the introduction of new tyres. “We’ll see. Next year we’ll have different conditions—with all the rule changes and the new tyres. But I’m ready to give my best there too, and reach the maximum as early as possible,” he said. He also acknowledged that the competitive landscape may be tough at first, particularly because Ducati and Aprilia are expected to be ahead. “Maybe at the beginning it won’t be so easy, because the level of Ducati and Aprilia will be above that of the others. The goal is to get closer as quickly as possible,” Marini explained.

Marini also addressed how he viewed his options after 2026. He said he was not only focused on the paddock’s immediate decisions, but that he had considered different possibilities. “I had different options. But it’s normal to have conversations and consider everything. You have to be ready in every situation,” he said. While he reiterated that he was initially saddened by Honda’s choice, he described his mindset as moving forward quickly to find the best solution for himself. “As I said, at first I was sad about Honda’s decision, but I accepted it and looked ahead right away to find the best solution for me. As a rider, I want to keep giving my best in this season and the next,” he added.

In comparing Honda’s situation now to the moment he joined HRC in 2024, Marini said the starting point is “completely different” in every respect. He described the earlier period as a positive turning point, calling it “like a revolution in the positive direction.” At the same time, he expressed disappointment about the timing of the 2027 regulation changes, saying they are “a shame” because Honda could have done more under the 2026 rules. “In my opinion, next year’s rule changes are a shame, because in 2026 we could have done much more if the rules had stayed the same. The engineers would have made further improvements, listened more to my feedback, and improved the bike. Unfortunately, all that effort will now go into the new bike, which I also understand,” Marini said.

He also pointed to the results of the current cycle, stating that 2026 has not delivered the outcomes Honda and Marini were working toward over the previous two years. “In 2026 we’re not getting the results we expected and that we’ve been working toward for the last two years. We’re missing just a few small things to enjoy it even more,” he said. Despite the lack of major results so far, Marini highlighted the atmosphere in the garage, describing it as excellent. “In the box we have a very good mood—the atmosphere is fantastic. The big results are missing at the moment,” he concluded.

With his Honda exit confirmed and his 2027 destination secured, Marini’s focus now is on finishing the current season strongly while preparing for a new technical and competitive environment at KTM Tech3, shaped by regulation shifts and tyre changes.