In the MotoGP paddock, having a personal assistant is almost standard practice—Luca Marini is taking a different approach—the focus is on clear processes and trust in the crew
Almost all MotoGP riders are accompanied by a personal assistant who supports them with the various tasks involved in a race weekend. These include organizational tasks as well as preparing the helmet and providing mental support.
World champion Marc Marquez, for example, has had Jose Luis Martinez at his side for many years. What started as a training partnership in motocross turned into a close friendship. Francesco Bagnaia is supported by his older sister Carola. Pedro Acosta also relies on his older sister Miriam, who accompanies him to the races. Fabio Quartararo has had his good friend Thomas Maubant as his personal assistant and helper in the paddock for years. On the other hand, Luca Marini does without a personal helper and supporter on race weekends. “Yes, but we also have a lot of people around us who work with us and can help when we need support,” says the Italian. “For example, the people from AGV and Dainese: when I need help from them, they are there. When I need help from someone in the team, everyone is there to help me. I get on well with everything. It’s just a method.”
Marini takes a pragmatic view: “When you have the complete schedule before the weekend, you already know when you have to go where or what appointments you have or don’t have. I like that. And being alone has never scared me. I’m doing so well.”
Occasionally, the 28-year-old is accompanied to races by his wife Marta and their daughter. However, this is the exception rather than the rule: “When my family can come, I’m naturally even happier, with my wife and daughter.”
“But I like to stay very close to my team and try to have good people around me. Because I think we spend so many days away from home, and it’s important to have a good relationship with the crew.“
”That’s why I don’t need an assistant to spend my time with. I always want to spend my time with my crew.” With his move to Honda, Marini has tried to contribute to the team not only technically, but also personally.
This way, everyone can pull together during the difficult catch-up process. “That’s something I’ve learned from my experience,” says Marini. “Also from watching ‘Vale’. When I joined HRC, everyone told me about Marc.”
Marc Marquez had a strong bond with his Honda team. This year, he has been working to build a good atmosphere at Ducati, rallying the team members around him so that they can go the last mile together to be successful. “Vale was always fantastic to his team, too,” Marini recalls. “He always tried to have a good relationship. In the end, ‘Vale’ stayed with the same crew his whole life. So in the end, they were like a family.”
Marini’s attitude is exemplary of an alternative approach to the increasing demands of MotoGP. While many riders rely on assistants, the Italian deliberately relies on clear structures, personal responsibility, and close cooperation within the team.
