‘Special atmosphere’ for Marini ahead of VR46 desert debut

Mooney VR46’s Luca Marini returns to MotoGP on a factory Ducati for 2022 and with a stellar preseason under his belt.

Third in the Indonesia combined times just three weeks ago, Marini impressed on the 2022 Ducati, leading the way for the Bologna riders after three days on track at Mandalika and completing Sepang testing just three-tenths adrift of Enea Bastianini’s new lap record.

The Italian’s premier class debut saw him just shy of a points scoring finish 12 months ago but as a new dawn breaks in MotoGP with his brother Valentino Rossi now Team Owner rather than rival on track, Marini is looking to make his own mark as his second season begins.

“This race always has a special atmosphere,” Marini explained before travelling to Qatar. “The first GP, the unique setting of the desert and a really beautiful track, one of my favourite on the calendar.

“This year will be different because I will be riding the Ducati of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team which will make its debut in MotoGP. A new working group, but one that I wanted.

“The atmosphere in the team is excellent, the air is positive. We just have to keep working and doing our best starting from this Sunday.