Luca Marini, the Factory Honda rider, dislocated his hip in a high-impact crash while testing for the upcoming Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in Japan. The accident occurred on the second day of testing at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, which will host the event on August 3rd.
In addition to the dislocated hip, Marini sustained ligament damage to his left knee, fractures to his sternum and left collarbone, and a pneumothorax. Following the crash, he was transported to a hospital where medical staff stabilized his condition. He remains under close observation and will stay hospitalized until doctors confirm he is fit to travel.
Marini’s participation in the next MotoGP round at Aragon, Spain, is currently uncertain. Additionally, he will not compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours race this year, as the team decided that the height difference between Marini and his teammate Takumi Takahashi was too large for them to share a bike safely.
Johann Zarco, also riding for LCR Honda, will be the main contender on the factory bike at Suzuka, now joined by former MotoGP racer Iker Lecuona and Takahashi.
Update on Ai Ogura’s Injury and Recovery Progress
Separately, Trackhouse Aprilia has provided an update on Ai Ogura following the Japanese rider’s crash during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone. Ogura fractured his right tibia just below the knee after a fall in Free Practice 1 on the Friday.
Ogura underwent surgery earlier in the week, and the team expressed optimism about his potential return for the upcoming race in Aragon. The 24-year-old said,
“The surgery is done. I think everything went quite well and I feel pretty OK with my knee. I just need a bit of time to get back to 100% fitness. It’s quite difficult and we will see if I can make it to Aragon.”
I’m trying to do what I can to recover my leg but, in situations like these, you can’t do too much. I will just do what I can and prepare for the next race.
—Ai Ogura, Trackhouse Racing Rider
Implications for Upcoming MotoGP Events and Team Plans
Marini’s injuries cast doubt over his availability for the Aragon GP next weekend, which could impact Factory Honda’s line-up. Meanwhile, Ogura’s recovery remains closely monitored by Trackhouse Aprilia, as his return could bolster their competitiveness if timed well.
The decision to replace Marini with riders Zarco, Lecuona, and Takahashi in the Suzuka 8 Hours highlights the importance of physical compatibility and safety in team endurance racing. Both injuries serve as reminders of the inherent risks in motorcycle racing and the physical demands on riders competing at high levels.
