Luca Marini calls for condensed MotoGP calendar to extend winter break

MotoGP rider Luca Marini is calling for a restructuring of the racing calendar to ensure a more substantial winter break for athletes. Marini, who rides for Honda HRC, argues that the current scheduling is unsustainable for rider well-being and physical preparation.

Rather than reducing the total number of races, Marini suggests condensing the existing schedule by placing races closer together. This approach aims to create a larger window during the off-season, which currently provides less than two months of downtime between the end of one season in November and preseason testing in early February.

Marini noted that the lack of a significant break prevents riders from recovering from injuries, engaging in specific physiotherapy programs, or making necessary physical improvements for the following season. He stated that the current planning leaves riders with “zero time” to both recover and prepare specifically for the next year.