Luca Marini gives verdict on Aleix Espargaro's MotoGP return: "A rival like all the others"

Luca Marini speaks out on Aleix Espargaro's return with Honda HRC and the new parts which, for the most part, will be tested next week.

Honda HRC rider Luca Marini has delivered his verdict on Aleix Espargaro's MotoGP return with the team this weekend, as the wildcard.

The Spanish rider retired from full-time competition at the end of 2024 and signed with Honda as a test rider. Returning to racing this weekend as a wildcard, Marini has insisted that he will be "a rival like all of the others."

"He will be a rival like all the others and will be here to do the best possible result," Marini commented to the media.

"I personally think he will have a good race because he is testing, training and ready. Will he have a lab bike? I don't know, but let's hope so. I hope he goes stronger than us."

Commenting on the weekend ahead the Italian rider explained that, "Qualifying will be key and it will be crucial to get straight into Q2. Since it is a short circuit, we will all be close, so it could be a good chance for us."

Honda HRC has introduced new parts to the RC213V, which Marini explains will be kept for testing.

"You have to give time to everything," Marini added. "So, in light of the fact that during practice we'll focus on the time attack, most of the new features we'll test on Monday. What do I think of the new approach? I like it very much.

Luca Marini, Honda HRC

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

"The change is not only the child of Albesiano, but it had already begun in 2024. Certainly Romano is doing a great job and has brought with him a good organisation that is preventing us from making mistakes.

"Let's say that he is integrating well and it is very nice to collaborate with him, but it is the Japanese who have as their goal to get back to the front, which is then what we all want. Now it is crucial to continue to grow and prevent possible setbacks because we would risk losing months of work. We have to continue in this way."

Espargaro has opened up on the pressure of returning to racing, especially with a team like Honda HRC. He stated ahead of the weekend:

“[I’m] very happy. I feel a bit strange; yesterday when I came to the paddock with my family we felt a bit strange, but happy – this is where I grew up so I still feel that it’s my home.

“A bit nervous to have these HRC colours, I feel a big responsibility – even if I’m just the test rider, but this is the biggest team ever in our sport so I feel really blessed to be able to race with these colours."