Luca Marini (MooneyVR46 Racing Team) joining Repsol Honda in 2024 has been a much-talked-about prospect since the Malaysian Grand Prix. Although nothing is currently confirmed, Mooney VR46 Racing Team's Uccio Salucci admitted that there is a possibility that Marini won't be in the team next season.
"Ah Luca, maybe next year he is not with us. You have to talk to Honda to know the details of the contract, because we don't know the level of this contract. I speak for my team and for Luca's replacement we are not considering Di Giannantonio. We want a young rider on our bike" the Italian explained.
With the possibility of Fabio Di Giannantionio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) joining the team ruled out, Uccio explained the team are looking to the Moto2™ grid for a possible replacement.
"When you lose a rider like Marini in November it is difficult. We have to discuss and talk with the different teams. Our option is not only Aldeguer, there are more riders and teams. Tony Arbolino is an option. I like Tony, he is fast and he is Italian. He is another name, but he is not the only one. We will see in the next 4 days".
"I have slept very little in the last week. Pablo is working very hard. We are trying to get our team ready to be able to test with both drivers. The times are very tight, we will see. Not having both drivers in the test is an extreme possibility. But you never know in this world"
With the Valencia test fast approaching there's little time for Marini and VR46 to be making their decisions, and only time will tell where the future lies for both parties. Make sure to stay up to date on the latest as the story unfolds on motogp.com!