Luca Marini says Honda underperforming in 2026 MotoGP season

Italian rider Luca Marini, the highest‑placed Honda rider and sole Honda rider inside the MotoGP top ten, criticised his factory team’s performance in the first half of the 2026 season. He said Honda has regressed, dropping to the D concession category and failing to deliver the podiums and top‑eight finishes the team achieved last year.

Marini’s best result so far was a fifth place in Hungary, with an average finish around ninth. He noted that rivals Ducati, Aprilia and Yamaha have progressed more, leaving Honda unable to compete for top spots. Marini called for technical developments to improve the bike before the mid‑season break, expressing hope that the team can close the gap.

The comments highlight internal disappointment at Honda despite some progress over the previous year, and underscore the competitive pressure on the Japanese manufacturer in a tightly contested MotoGP championship.