Despite several rumours earlier in the year, Luca Marini looks set to remain in the factory Honda MotoGP garage next season.
Luca Marini has reportedly signed a contract extension to remain with the factory Honda MotoGP team alongside Joan Mir for the 2026 season.
According to Sky Italia, all that is left is the official announcement of the new deal between the Italian and the Japanese manufacturer.
If he has re-signed with Honda for 2026, it would be Marini's third year with Honda Racing Corporation after he joined them for the 2024 season to replace Marc Marquez.
During his second season on the Honda RC213V, Marini has made steady improvements and has been inside the points in every Grand Prix that he has started.
However, he missed three race weekends after suffering injuries at a test ahead of the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Honda supposedly values Marini for his detailed technical feedback, which will be vital as HRC develops its all-new 850cc prototype for the 2027 regulations.
With Marini staying put for the 2026 season, it is expected that Johann Zarco will put pen to paper on a deal to stay with LCR Honda for a third season.
Ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, Marini finds himself 15th in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship with 52 points to his name and a best result of sixth place, which he claimed at the German Grand Prix.
