Luca Marini Targets Weight Distribution Fix to Elevate Honda’s Competitive Edge in MotoGP

Luca Marini expressed confidence that they could compete for seventh or eighth place, but emphasized the need to address a specific issue first. He identified the problem as being related to how the weight is distributed.

Luca Marini, after achieving the best qualifying position for a Honda rider by securing 13th place, and finishing 10th in the Sprint race, concluded the Australian MotoGP on Sunday in 14th position.

On the second-to-last lap of the grand prix, the Italian achieved the quickest race lap for a Honda rider, with a margin of +0.646 seconds. This feat was also accomplished by Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha, as well as Enea Bastianini and Fabio di Giannantonio, both on Ducatis.

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Joan Mir from the Repsol team, along with Takaaki Nakagami from LCR, recorded their fastest race laps on the 21st out of 27 laps. Similarly, Johann Zarco achieved his quickest time relatively late, on the 18th lap.

Bastianini, and to a slightly lesser degree di Giannantonio, are well-known for their ability to conserve tyres. Meanwhile, the delay in performance experienced by the Honda riders highlighted the challenges they face in producing enough heat in the rear tyre with ‘harder’ compounds.

Marini explained that they spent numerous laps trying to warm up the harder compound on the left side of the soft rear tire. He also mentioned losing positions at the beginning of the race to dodge a spinning Marc Marquez.

"In this situation, we are unable to compete with others, particularly when it comes to KTM and Aprilia."

"In the initial stages, our speed was lacking. However, after completing six laps, once the rear tire was properly conditioned, our speed became highly competitive, allowing me to really enjoy the race."

"The connection with the motorcycle was among the finest I've experienced this season."

"We need to figure out how to improve the performance of the rear tire. It's the same issue we're facing."

"The key issue lies in how the weight is distributed," said Marini, who remains optimistic about the advancements this season despite not having secured a top ten finish on the RC213V in a grand prix race.

During the first 13 rounds, his sole point came due to penalties related to tire pressure after a race in Germany. However, Marini has since managed to earn points in three out of the last four races, though he was involved in an incident in Indonesia.

"We've addressed a lot of issues," he mentioned. "The bike is now significantly improved compared to last year and the start of the current season."

"However, when the tire compound is very hard, we find it challenging."

The 27-year-old believes it's obvious what needs improvement.

"It's definitely an issue related to how the weight is spread out on the bike," he stated. "The front carries a lot of weight because previous successful bikes were designed that way."

"Honda consistently achieved victories with the Bridgestone tires by constructing the bike in the traditional Japanese style."

"It's amazing for the rider to experience this level of connection with the front tire."

"However, the issue lies in the fact that the rear section is the strongest aspect of the Michelin tires, and we are unable to fully harness the potential of the rear tire."

"Certainly, the goal for the upcoming year is to adjust the weight distribution slightly and increase the load on the rear tire, similar to how other bikes are set up."

Although Ducati is well-known for its excellent rear traction, Marini believes that a different brand is superior at rapidly heating up the rear tire.

"We should focus on KTM in particular, as they are experts in this area," he stated.

"Right from the first lap, there are instances where they might overexert the rear tire."

"While they might be on the opposing side, we need to put in the effort to study them and look for ways to enhance this situation."

"In my view, if we can address this issue, we have a chance to compete for seventh or eighth place right now."

"However, we need to come up with a way to address this issue."

On Sunday, Marini crossed the finish line 24 seconds behind the winner and was nine seconds adrift of a group of riders battling for positions six through eight.

In the race, Zarco was the top Honda competitor, finishing in 12th place. He trailed the main pack by five seconds and had a four-second lead over Marini.

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