Luca Marini, Valentino Rossi’s Half Brother, To Make Moto3 Debut at Misano

MotoGP.com is reporting that Luca Marini, half brother to nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi, will make his Moto3 debut at the Misano round of the MotoGP world championship, Sep. 13-15.

Marini, who recently turned 16, meeting the minimum age requirement required for world championship competition, currently lies second in the Italian Moto3 championship aboard his FTR Honda. He currently has six podium finishes this year, but no victories.

He clearly wants to do well in front of a world audience at Misano, but admits it will be tough battling the KTMs and Mahindras aboard the underpowered Honda. Thankfully, he’ll have the guidance of his superstar half brother to turn to if he needs any advice.

For now, however, Marini, who sports the number 97, has his sights on trying to erase the 23-point deficit keeping him from capturing the Italian championship. From there, he hopes the opportunities will present themselves.

By Troy Siahaan