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2025 could be the breakthrough year for Honda HRC, which after a few difficult years and the farewell of Marc Marquez now seems to have sorted out the right direction toward its future. Alongside the already confirmed riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir, there will be the arrival of a revamped development division. The challenge, to bring the historic golden wing manufacturer back to the top of the competition, will not be easy.
From the new test riders Aleix Espargarò and Taka Nakagami, to the new technical director Romano Albesiano, the elements, however, to give a decisive turning point to the project seem to be all there, but only after the first round of tests will the real work begin. Luca Marini, at the end of the Honda presentation in which the livery with which he will compete in the 2025 championship was unveiled, clarified his expectations and intentions in view of the new season.
Last season the improvements came towards the middle of the championship, what expectations do you have about the next steps forward this year?
"I think it's early to say," began Luca, "I know how Honda works. At the Sepang test we will try a new prototype, but based on what we know we will start the season with a good level, but it is still not enough for the competitiveness we are looking for in MotoGP. After the first half of the season I think it's a good timeline to take steps forward from a development standpoint, but of course everything will depend on whether we work in the right direction."
Honda has been in great difficulty in recent years, what did you see last season that makes you think there will be a substantial step forward this year?
"I think the confidence we have in the project comes first and foremost from all the engineers that are coming into the project, starting with Romano Albesiano. We are facing a change as Honda has never done in the past, Romano has just started working on the project, it will take time but the new way of working and the knowledge we have gained this year gives us great motivation for the future."
How come the Honda riders do not participate in shakedowns?
"We can count on a fantastic test team, thanks to the arrival of Aleix Espargarò and Taka Nakagami. It is one of the big changes this year, they are two competitive riders who can push themselves to the limit and will be able to bring very positive results. We have a clear lineup, with Romano we thought it was best to let them start the tests, for us the three days in Sepang will be enough for what we need."
How are you coming physically to these tests, what is your impression of Albesiano?
"I'm in very good shape, this winter I removed the plate on my collarbone and I'm looking forward to getting back on track. As for Romano, I think he is the person Honda needed right now. We will try to help him understand the Japanese way of working, although I think he won't have any difficulties. We have exchanged views with him about what to do in the coming months, the situation is clear."
This year on the track the balance will be different, what are you most curious about among the many changes this season?
"First and foremost I'm curious to see the upcoming improvements of Honda, not only because I'm part of the project, it will also be interesting to see the duel between Pecco and Marc, I think there will be all the ingredients for fun this season."
Thanks to the academy you have already had a first taste of the track at Mandalika with road bikes, along with Bezzecchi on the Aprilia, Bagnaia on the Ducati, you on the Honda. What were the sensations?
"It was a flawless day, we did one more thing to raise the level of the riders' presentation. I think that having already ridden in the heat can help us the first time we take to the track in Sepang. I really like the track with the MotoGP, with the CBR it was a lot of fun even though we had a lot of problems with the street bikes because of the temperatures, however pushing each other to go faster was fun."
