Luca Marini, riding for the factory Honda MotoGP team, has sustained multiple injuries following a severe crash during testing at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 28, while Marini was preparing for the Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race, where he is competing to secure a spot in Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) 2025 lineup. As a result, Marini remains hospitalized in Japan, under close medical observation.
Details of the Crash and Injuries
Marini’s test program began successfully on Tuesday with his first day on Honda’s CBR1000RR-R SP bike. However, on the second day, he suffered a heavy crash that caused serious injuries. The damages include a dislocated left hip, multiple fractures such as a broken sternum and left collarbone, ligament damage in his left knee, and a right-sided collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Following the crash, Marini was quickly moved to a local hospital, where he was stabilized and continues to receive treatment.
Current Condition and Support Measures
Honda issued a statement confirming Marini’s condition and ongoing recovery process in Japan. He will remain there until doctors clear him to travel home. The factory Honda team, alongside Honda HRC Castrol, pledged full support throughout his rehabilitation.
Honda HRC and the Honda HRC Castrol team will support Marini fully in his recovery.
—Honda HRC Statement
Impact on Racing Season and Team Plans
Before the crash, Marini was the second-highest ranked Honda rider in the MotoGP championship, sitting 13th overall with 38 points after seven rounds, having achieved an eighth-place finish as his best result. His contract with Honda runs through the end of this season, and he recently indicated ongoing discussions about a possible contract renewal during the British Grand Prix.
With the next MotoGP round scheduled for Aragon next weekend, Marini’s injuries make it doubtful he will be able to participate. Honda has two test riders, Takaaki Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro, who could potentially fill in for Marini as needed. The team must now adjust its plans while closely monitoring Marini’s recovery to decide on his future involvement in racing and testing.
