Luca Marini Says Honda Engineers Must Test the MotoGP Bike Themselves to Understand Aerodynamics

Luca Marini believes Honda’s MotoGP progress has been real, but he also argues the factory is still missing a crucial piece of the performance puzzle—especially in aerodynamics. Speaking with SPEEDWEEK.com, the Italian described how Honda’s project has moved forward since the HRC reorganisation and the arrival of Romano Albesiano, pointing to tangible development work that helped bring the bike closer to the front.

Marini said that at the most recent Honda season finale, he played a key role in freeing the project from the manufacturer’s “concessions” environment, enabling faster and more effective changes. He highlighted new engine expansion steps as a major factor, and added that a new carbon swingarm together with a stream of aero updates helped Honda regain competitiveness.

However, the rider’s focus quickly turned to what he sees as Honda’s biggest gap: aerodynamic development. Marini suggested that the competition—particularly the two Italian works teams—has already moved on to further evolutionary stages, leaving Honda to catch up. In his view, the problem is not just the parts themselves, but the way the area is understood and prioritised.

“The technicians who work on aerodynamics,” Marini said, “still haven’t recognised how important this field is.” He explained the reason behind his criticism: “They don’t ride the bike themselves.” For Marini, the only way to fully grasp what aerodynamics changes can do—both with wings and without—is to experience the machine firsthand.

He added that he has been making the same point since his first year at Honda, arguing that at least some engineers should test the motorcycle to see the real effects. “Only then,” he said, “does the true picture emerge—there is still so much potential for improvement in this area.”

Marini also stressed that the current regulations still allow plenty of freedom for aero development. He described the aero direction as “very efficient,” noting that new components can be implemented quickly under the rules. “I’m pushing the technicians to invest even more in this field of development,” he said.

With Marini positioned as a likely candidate for a MotoGP deal with Tech3—an arrangement linked to KTM’s future customer-team structure—questions remain about whether the Austrian-side engineers could temporarily swap their simulation work for on-track testing under Marini’s guidance.