The Honda Motogp factory team has revealed that Luca Marini sustained multiple injuries in a severe crash during testing at Suzuka and is currently under medical observation in Japan.
This week, Marini was testing Honda’s CBR1000RR-R at the Suzuka Circuit as part of his preparations for the 8-hour endurance race, aiming to secure a spot on the HRC lineup for the 2025 event. Honda reported that Marini had a successful first day of riding on Tuesday, but suffered a serious crash on Wednesday.
Marini’s injuries are extensive, including a dislocated left hip, ligament damage to his left knee, fractures to his sternum and left collarbone, and a collapsed lung. Following the accident, he was promptly stabilized at a local hospital and remains there under observation until deemed fit to travel home.
Honda stated in an official release: “On May 28th, during the Suzuka 8-hour test, Luca Marini experienced a violent crash and remains in Japan for recovery and monitoring. After completing a successful first day, he began the second but was seriously injured. Honda HRC and the Castrol team will provide full support for his recovery.”
Currently ranked as the second-best Honda rider in the championship after seven rounds, Marini is 13th overall with 38 points. He has a contract with Honda through the end of the season and is in discussions regarding an extension following the recent British Grand Prix.
The upcoming MotoGP round at Aragon will likely see him absent due to the severity of his injuries. Honda has two available test riders, Nakagami Takaki and Alex Espargaro, ready to fill in if needed.
Fan Take: This news is a sobering reminder of the risks riders face and the importance of rider safety in motorsport. Marini’s recovery and return will be closely watched, as his absence could shake up the competition and open opportunities for other talents to emerge.
