Valentino Rossi's half-brother blames Marc Marquez for Honda underperformance

11:30, 16 Feb

byAndrew McLarney

HRC Honda rider Luca Marini, who is also the half-brother of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, has attributed part of the team's poor performances in recent years to the abilities of Marc Marquez.

In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, Marini shed some light on what life has been like inside the Honda garage over the past few seasons, and has an interesting theory as to why the team has been off the pace in recent years.

"In the past, Honda had a lot of confidence in Marc Márquez because with his talent he could provide what the bike was lacking , but they lost their way a bit with the development of the technical side." Marini explained.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

"Sometimes it's a problem, because there are riders who don't know anything about the bike, they don't know anything technically, they push to the limit, and if the bike works and everything is fine, perfect . But I like to know, understand, and learn how the bike works."

Marini, who had a decent enough season in 2025 alongside teammate Joan Mir, will be hoping for a more competitive package in 2026 and so far the pre-season tests in Sepang have given some cause for optimism.

Marini's future at the team is also not entirely certain. Rumours have been circulating that Yamaha star Fabio Quartararo might have agreed terms with Honda for 2027 and beyond.

It is likely that Marini would revert to the VR46 team unless he could secure a ride elsewhere, and his performances in 2026 could have a huge impact on where he will be riding next year.

Yamaha respond to Quartararo-Honda rumours: 'We'll have to accept it'

Yamaha's Managing Director Paolo Pavesio has weighed in on the rumours that star rider Fabio Quartararo could be departing the team at the end of the season for Japanese rivals Honda.

Rumours have already been circulating the MotoGP paddock before the season has even started, and they are some pretty dramatic ones at that. Fabio Quartararo, the face of Yamaha in MotoGP for the last few seasons, could be set to depart for Honda in what would be quite a shock transfer heading into the 2027 regulation changes.