Luca Marini, who missed the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello due to multiple injuries sustained in a crash, has outlined his plan for returning to MotoGP racing. After a severe testing accident in Suzuka that left him with a dislocated left hip, sternum and collarbone fractures, and a collapsed lung, Marini is focusing on recovery with a goal to ride again by mid-July.
Details on Marini’s Recovery and Planned Return
Speaking to Sky Italia, Marini expressed gratitude for his condition despite the serious nature of his injuries, saying,
“I feel very lucky, given how my accident was. I’ve started training again and, within two weeks, I think I’ll be in good enough shape to ride a MotoGP bike.”
This timeline indicates he will not participate in the upcoming Dutch TT at Assen, which he confirmed by stating, “For Assen it’s realistically impossible.”
Marini’s return is expected in two phases: a private test after Assen at Brno, followed by a potential racing comeback at the German Grand Prix held at Sachsenring from July 11 to 13. He noted,
“Honda has a test planned at Brno after Assen, it could be a good opportunity… then be at 80% for Sachsenring.”
Marini’s Outlook and Current Season Context
Despite his injuries, Marini remains positive and determined to get back on the bike. He shared,
“I never lost the desire to get back on a motorbike, I was already thinking about it when I was still in the hospital bed.”
While he watched the Italian GP from the sidelines, his team has arranged for HRC test rider Takaaki Nakagami to replace him alongside Joan Mir for the event.
The racing calendar moves directly to the Czech Grand Prix at Brno after the Sachsenring race, before the three-week summer break begins. Marini’s factory ride remains the only officially open seat for the 2026 season, with reigning world champion Jorge Martin rumored to be a potential candidate if his contract situation with Aprilia does not resolve.
