Two of the four missing parts of the 2026 MotoGP grid fell into place on Monday. Luca Marini was confirmed as staying in the factory Honda HRC Castrol team for the 2026 season, while Johann Zarco becomes the first person to officially sign on for the 2027 MotoGP season as he stays with LCR Honda for two more seasons.
The decision to keep Luca Marini in the factory Honda team became inevitable once Jorge Martin decided to stay with Aprilia. Once it was clear that Martin was not available, keeping Marini in the factory team was the most obvious choice. Marini has been a very solid and reliable development rider, right at the point where that is exactly what Honda needs.
