P1racenews AI automatic summary:
What’s behind Marini’s disastrous MotoGP debut with Honda in Qatar
Italian rider Luca Marini encountered a “small technical problem” during the Qatar MotoGP season-opener race, hinting at struggles adapting to the Honda. Marini’s performance regression at Losail was evident, with a significant difference in lap times compared to his Ducati days. His difficulties were magnified by rivals’ improvements in lap times from the previous season. Marini finished 21st in the sprint race and 20th in the grand prix, notably slower than his VR46 Academy colleague Jorge Martin and Honda teammate Joan Mir. Despite citing technical issues, Marini’s adaptation challenges to the Honda are becoming increasingly apparent, leading Honda to focus on additional testing to help him adjust.
