Honda MotoGP rider Luca Marini has confirmed he is currently at 80% fitness as he prepares for this weekend’s German Grand Prix, a better condition than initially feared after his crash during testing at Suzuka. Marini’s accident, which happened at the first corner of the Suzuka circuit in late May, resulted in multiple injuries and an extended hospital stay in Japan before he returned home to Italy in early June for further recovery.
Details of the Crash and Its Immediate Aftermath
After completing the British Grand Prix, Marini traveled to Japan to assist Honda with testing at the Suzuka track. The crash forced Marini into a recovery period that had been expected to keep him sidelined until after the summer break. Despite missing the last three rounds, he is now set to race at Sachsenring this weekend, demonstrating significant progress in his rehabilitation.
Marini’s Perspective on His Current Condition
Speaking about his physical state, Marini acknowledged he is not fully recovered but optimistic about his improvement. He explained that although the healing process will take time, his weekly advancements have been encouraging. Marini highlighted the intense work with his physio and his determination to address every aspect of his recovery in order to return to racing sooner than expected.
“I think that’s enough to ride the bike, but for sure after Friday I will have a clearer idea of my condition and what I can achieve this weekend.”
—Luca Marini, Honda MotoGP Rider
Managing Pain and Physical Challenges While Preparing to Race
Marini mentioned experiencing widespread pain and a loss of strength due to a month-long break from training, which affects his confidence on the bike. However, he remains focused on managing the discomfort with painkillers and pacing himself through this weekend’s race and the following one before the summer pause in the MotoGP calendar.
“This is the target, trying to start calm and listen to my body and try to understand my physical condition,”
he said in reference to the upcoming German Grand Prix.
“I don’t have big pain in one zone; it’s more or less some pain everywhere.”
—Luca Marini, Honda MotoGP Rider
“But for sure, these two races and some rest will help to be 100% when we come back [from the summer break].”
—Luca Marini, Honda MotoGP Rider
Outlook for the Second Half of the MotoGP Season
Marini’s decision to compete in the next two races before the summer break reflects his commitment to regaining full fitness and returning to peak form. His gradual improvement and measured approach offer hope that he will be stronger and more prepared for the latter stages of the season with Honda. The support from his rehabilitation team and ongoing focus on physical recovery will be key factors in his performance going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who does Luca Marini ride for?
A. Luca Marini, born on August 10, 1997, is an Italian motorcycle racer. In 2024 and 2025, he will race for Honda HRC Castrol. In the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, Marini raced for Mooney VR46 Racing Team and finished in eighth place.
Q. What happened to Luca Marini?
A. Luca Marini had a terrible crash while testing for the Suzuka 8 Hours race. This accident landed him in intensive care with serious injuries. Like Jorge Martin, Marini experienced a pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, which will require a lengthy recovery.
Q. Is Luca Marini related to Valentino Rossi?
A. Luca Marini, who is Valentino Rossi’s half-brother, gained confidence for 2022 after starting in the front row at Misano and finishing in the top five in Austria. This success came as he joined the new Mooney VR46 Racing team.
Q. What are the injuries to Luca Marini?
A. Marini has been out of action since a Superbike testing accident in May caused a dislocated hip, fractured sternum, broken collarbone, and collapsed lung.
