The rumors about who will replace Marc Márquez at Repsol Honda for the 2024 MotoGP season continue. Fabio Di Giannantonio is the most talked-about name, especially since he is available, but there is now talk of Luca Marini – speculation that Valentino Rossi fueled on Sunday by posting an image from his time at Honda on social media.
Confronted with the possibility of the Italian being his successor, the six-time champion seemed to consider it very likely, stating: ‘Of course I don’t know exactly Honda’s strategy because in the end when I decided to go of course they try to find the best strategy. I was thinking in Di Giannantonio two or three races ago. But already in Thailand I started to hear something and looks like he will take my place. And I’m happy for Luca. I always had a good relationship with Luca and this is the good thing. We must separate the things and I’m happy for him, he is a young rider. If in the end will be official, he has a good challenge, moving from a competitive Ducati in his brother’s team’.
Regarding the possible reasons for Marini to consider this potential team change, Márquez commented: ‘The main reason to move to Honda? I don’t know. In the end I will move to a competitive bike, he moves to a project that needs a lot of work. But sometimes from outside looks one thing, but then inside is another. So it’s better to ask him’.