Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has confirmed it will not field a substitute rider for Luca Marini at this weekend’s MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix, leaving Joan Mir as the sole factory rider for the team. Marini suffered a serious injury last week while testing at Suzuka with Honda’s endurance squad, and despite the option to name a replacement up until Wednesday, the team has chosen not to do so.
Regulations and Test Riders’ Availability
Under MotoGP rules, teams are not required to name a replacement rider if the injury occurs fewer than nine days before the race. Honda’s three test riders—Aleix Espargaro, Takaaki Nakagami, and Stefan Bradl—were potential candidates to step in. However, none will make an appearance at the Aragon event, and the test team will also skip Monday’s official MotoGP test at Motorland Aragon, leaving only the full-time factory riders on track.
Other Rider Updates Ahead of the Aragon GP
Meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez will participate at the Aragon GP as a Yamaha wildcard entry for Pramac Racing, continuing his role filling in for the injured Miguel Oliveira. Meanwhile, Ai Ogura remains sidelined as he undergoes additional medical evaluations on his right knee after surgery, with a fitness decision expected following a medical check by Dr. Angel Charte on Thursday.
Implications for Honda and the MotoGP Season
With Luca Marini out and no substitute to fill his place, Honda’s presence at Aragon is notably diminished, increasing the pressure on Joan Mir to deliver strong results alone. This decision might affect the team’s standings and momentum for the remainder of the season, especially given the intensity of the ongoing title battles. The absence of Marini and other sidelined riders underscores the physical toll of the championship and poses challenges for teams striving to maintain competitive lineups.
