Luca Marini Targets Top 8 Finish: A Deep Dive into Honda’s Weight Distribution Challenge

Luca Marini believes they have the potential to contend for seventh or eighth place, but they must address a specific issue first. He points out that the issue is related to how weight is distributed.

Luca Marini built on his impressive Honda qualifying result (13th) and highest Sprint race placement of the year (10th) by securing the 14th position in Sunday’s Australian MotoGP.

The Italian rider recorded the quickest lap time for a Honda competitor (+0.646s) during the second-to-last lap of the grand prix, a feat also achieved by Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), Enea Bastianini (Ducati), and Fabio di Giannantonio (Ducati).

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Marini's team colleague at Repsol, Joan Mir, and LCR rider Takaaki Nakagami, recorded their fastest race laps on the 21st out of 27 laps, while Johann Zarco achieved his best relatively later, on the 18th lap.

Bastianini, and to a somewhat lesser degree di Giannantonio, are well-known for their ability to conserve tires. However, Honda riders have been facing challenges in warming up the rear tire, especially when opting for 'harder' compounds, leading to a noticeable lag in performance.

"We had to complete numerous laps to heat up the outer portion of the harder compound [on the left side] of the [soft rear] tyre," Marini explained, mentioning he also fell behind at the beginning as he dodged a skidding Marc Marquez.

"Due to this, we find ourselves unable to compete with the rest, particularly when it comes to KTM and Aprilia."

Initially, our pace was sluggish. However, once we completed six laps and the rear tire was adequately warmed up, our speed became highly competitive, allowing me to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

"The sensation on the motorcycle was among the season's top highlights."

"Therefore, it's essential for us to figure out a method to improve the performance of the back tire. This issue remains unchanged."

"The issue revolves around how weight is balanced."

Despite not yet cracking the top ten in the grand prix aboard the RC213V, Marini remains optimistic about the advancements achieved this season.

In the initial 13 races, he managed to score points only once due to penalties for tyre pressure issues in Germany. However, Marini has been more successful recently, securing points in three out of the last four races, with the exception being an incident in Indonesia where he was forced out

"He stated, 'We've resolved numerous issues. Currently, the bike is significantly improved compared to last year and the start of the season."

"However, when the [tire] material is very firm, it poses challenges for us."

The 27-year-old identifies the specific area for improvement.

"Definitely, it boils down to how the weight is distributed across the bike," he clarified. "There's a significant amount of weight at the front since historically, the bikes that performed well were designed in that manner.

"Particularly when using Bridgestone tires, Honda consistently achieved victories by adhering to their conventional Japanese bike construction method."

For the cyclist, experiencing this type of connection with the front tire is equally incredible.

However, the issue lies in the fact that the optimal feature of the Michelin tyres is at the back, and we're unable to fully exploit the capabilities of the rear tyre.

"Definitely, the goal for the upcoming year is to adjust the weight distribution slightly and increase the load on the rear tire, similar to what other motorcycles achieve."

Marini believes that although Ducati is famous for its excellent rear traction, there's another brand that surpasses it in warming up the rear tire faster.

"He expressed the view that particular attention should be paid to KTM, citing their unparalleled expertise in the field."

"Right from the first lap, at times, they might exert excessive pressure on the back tire."

"Therefore, even though they might be in opposition, our task is to examine their strategies and seek methods to enhance our current state."

"In my view, if we manage to find a solution, we currently have a chance to contend for 7th or 8th place."

"We must identify a resolution to this issue."

Marini crossed the finish line 24 seconds after the winner on Sunday, trailing by nine seconds in a battle involving multiple riders for the positions sixth through eighth.

Zarco topped the Honda contingent in 12th position, trailing the group ahead by five seconds and maintaining a four-second gap over Marini.

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