It's now official: Luca Marini has been chosen by the Repsol Honda Team to step into the shoes left vacant by Marc Marquez, starting from the 2024 season of the MotoGP™ World Championship. Captivated by the vision of the golden-winged manufacturer, where he'll strive to successfully evolve the RC213V, the '10' will follow the path of three other Italians who have donned the Repsol Honda Team colours over the last 30 years.

Since its inception in 1995 as a premier-class structure in the World Championship, the Repsol Honda Team has featured three accomplished Italian riders who eventually earned the status of MotoGP™ Legends: Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, and Andrea Dovizioso. While awaiting Marini's impact, let's delve into the roles of his compatriots within the iconic Honda factory team.

A force named Rossi

After clinching his inaugural 500cc world title in 2001 with the Nastro Azzurro team, Marini's stepbrother made a significant mark upon joining Repsol Honda at the onset of the MotoGP™ era. 'The Doctor's' influence aboard the RC211V was profound, claiming victory in 31 out of 32 possible podiums, including 20 wins, leading to two World Championships (2002 and 2003) before making the move to Yamaha in 2004.

The legacy of Biaggi and Dovi

The second Italian rider to don the iconic colors of the Repsol Honda Team was none other than the arch-rival of Rossi, Max Biaggi. During his solitary season with the team in 2005, Biaggi secured a total of four podium finishes, placing within the Championship top five. Dovi boasted a more extensive record between 2009 and 2011, the final year of the RC212V. The Forlì native accumulated a total of 15 podiums, with a standout victory in the 2009 British GP, conquering the rain-soaked Donington Park.

A dream to fulfill

As the fourth Italian rider in the 30-year history of the Repsol Honda Team, Marini aims to build upon the legacy of his compatriots while realizing the dream of developing a premier class machine. After three years in MotoGP™ aboard the Desmosedici and a noteworthy 2023 with two podiums and two poles, the #10 embarks on a new challenge alongside the RC213V in what promises to be a compelling storyline throughout the upcoming 2024 season.

Cover photo credit: Amato Ballante