Luca Marini staying at VR46 for 2024

Luca Marini has officially confirmed that he will continue his journey with the Mooney VR46 team for the upcoming MotoGP season, providing further clarity to the 2024 rider lineup. This decision eliminates Marini from the discussion surrounding the vacant Pramac Racing seat, which will be vacated by Johann Zarco as he moves to LCR Honda.

With Franco Morbidelli losing his Yamaha seat, he is a strong and likely candidate to fill the Pramac Racing position. Additionally, Fabio di Giannantonio is expected to leave his Gresini ride, potentially opening up another Ducati seat for the 2024 season.

Marini's retention by VR46, a team owned by his brother and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, solidifies his place alongside Marco Bezzecchi for the upcoming season. Bezzecchi had previously declined the Pramac offer to remain with VR46. The team has had a standout season, thanks in large part to Bezzecchi, who has secured two Grand Prix wins, marking a significant achievement for the team.

As Marini enters his third year in the premier MotoGP class, he will be aiming to build on his career-best result of finishing second at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Texas. Bezzecchi's emergence as a title contender this season should serve as motivation for Marini to replicate and potentially surpass his teammate's accomplishments in the upcoming season.