Marini on Rossi: “I saw what went on behind the scenes”

When Luca Marini was born in Urbino on 10 August 1997, his half-brother Valentino Rossi’s remarkable career had only just got underway. Three weeks later, the then 18-year-old Rossi was crowned 125cc World Champion in Brno – it was the first of a total of nine world titles.

Marini thus grew up at a time when his brother, 18 years his senior, was transforming from a promising young Italian talent into one of the biggest stars in motorcycling. As a child, he regularly accompanied Rossi to the race tracks and witnessed his successes from a perspective that remained hidden from most others.

Marini followed his half-brother to the world’s racetracks

Ahead of his home MotoGP race at Misano, Marini – now 29 – spoke to MotoGP.com about how much that time had shaped him. “When I was younger, I followed my brother to many places and countries around the world. I celebrated his successes with him. We all know what Vale has achieved,” recalls Marini.

But for him, it wasn’t just the trophies and the celebrations that mattered. “I also saw what went on behind the scenes. And that inspired me greatly and gave me a wonderful feeling. I enjoyed every moment and that special bond with Vale. I tried to learn from him.”

Marini witnessed first-hand how the 125cc World Champion went on to become a champion in the 250cc class and eventually the premier class. Rossi won nine world championship titles and 115 Grand Prix victories before retiring from racing at the end of 2021. By that time, his younger brother had already made his debut in MotoGP.

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Marini’s own career began, of all places, at Misano

Despite his high-profile connection, Marini had to work his way up through the junior classes. In 2013, he finished fourth in the Italian Moto3 Championship with six podium finishes. In the same year, he made his debut in the World Motorcycle Championship on a wildcard at Misano of all places, although his race ended with a crash in the very first corner.

After a year in the Spanish Moto3 Championship, Marini moved to the European Moto2 Championship in 2015. In 2016, he completed his first full World Championship season in Moto2 with Forward Racing. Marini took the decisive step in his career in 2018 by joining his half-brother’s Sky Racing Team VR46. He stood on a World Championship podium for the first time at the Sachsenring, and celebrated his first Grand Prix victory at Sepang.

Moto2 2015: Luca Marini bei seinem Gaststart in Misano

Foto: Gold & Goose

Two further victories followed in 2019. A year later, Marini was in contention for the Moto2 World Championship title. With victories at Jerez, Misano and Barcelona, he ultimately finished as runner-up – just nine points behind Enea Bastianini. In 2021, he finally made the step up to the class his brother had dominated for many years: MotoGP.

However, Marini does not see the family connection to the legendary number 46 as a decisive factor in creating additional pressure on his own career path. “I wouldn’t say I’m under more pressure,” he clarifies. “Every MotoGP rider is under immense pressure. It’s difficult for us to ride at this level. I learnt early on how to deal with it.”

From Ducati to Honda to KTM

Marini spent his first three years in MotoGP riding for Ducati. Following his debut season with Sky VR46 Avintia, he moved to the newly formed VR46 MotoGP team in 2022. He enjoyed his most successful season to date in the premier class in 2023. At the Grand Prix of The Americas in Austin, Marini finished second, celebrating his first MotoGP Grand Prix podium. He also stood on the podium in the sprint races in Argentina, Thailand and Qatar. He finished the season eighth in the World Championship.

MotoGP 2021: Valentino Rossi und Luca Marini duellieren sich

Foto: Gold & Goose

Marini then took a big step and left the family-run VR46 environment. Since 2024, he has been riding for Honda and working to rebuild the most successful manufacturer in MotoGP history. His time at HRC will come to an end after the current season: for the new 850cc era, Marini will move to Tech3 and KTM in 2027.

Regardless of the bike or team, MotoGP has long since become just as important a part of Marini’s life as it was when he watched it as a child alongside his brother. “MotoGP is a huge part of my life,” the Italian emphasises. The extreme speed, in particular, still fascinates him to this day.

“We reach incredible top speeds. Even when you’re hunched down behind the fairing, you can feel that you’re going really fast. The moment you brake and emerge from the fairing, the wind pushes you back with immense force and you have to hold on really tight.” Despite having spent several years in the premier class, this experience has lost none of its fascination for Marini: “It’s a brilliant feeling. I love it!”

This weekend, the 29-year-old returns to Misano – the circuit where he made his World Championship debut in 2013, celebrated one of his three Moto2 victories on his way to the runners-up title in 2020, and which lies just a few kilometres from the Rossi family’s home.

Valentino Rossi hilft weiterhin als Mentor

Foto: Gold & Goose