Rossi’s half-brother to wildcard at Misano

IT HAS now been made official that Valentino Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini will wildcard at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli making his grand prix debut in the Moto3 World Championship. 

The young Italian is currently second in the Italian championship and is said to be riding an FTR Honda for the Twelve Racing Team for his first grand prix race as #97.

He spoke exclusively to the motogp.com saying: “We were not sure about doing the wildcard ride at Misano because it was vital that we sealed at least second place in the Italian championship, but the opportunity was there so the news did not surprise me that much.”

When asked if this wildcard could lead to a full-time ride in the Moto3 World Championship, the 16-year-old said: “If we do well at Misano, it could definitely create World Championship opportunities. It is going to be very difficult, though, so for now it is better to put most emphasis on the Italian championship at Mugello and then we shall see.”

Marini also commented on his relationship with Rossi explaining: “Now that I am older, we see more of each other; we see each other every day and go to the gym together. The relationship has deepened now, but it has always been very good anyway.”

The official news that Luca Marini will wildcard at Misano comes days after it was reported by Gazzetta dello Sport that Valentino Rossi could be preparing to enter his own, all-Italian Moto3 team for 2014 running KTM machinery.

The possible riders so far are Niccolo Antonelli and Romano Fenati who are currently in the Moto3 Championship.