Honda factory rider expected to miss Aragon round as he recovers from multiple injuries

The 26-year-old was in Japan putting in laps aboard Honda’s CBR1000RR-R as part of testing for the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour, with hopes of securing a slot in the 2025 Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) line-up. After a productive first day on Tuesday, Honda confirmed Marini endured a “heavy fall” on Wednesday, May 28, during the second day of testing.

In a concise update, Honda detailed the extent of Marini’s injuries, revealing he sustained a dislocated left hip, ligament damage to his left knee, fractures to his sternum and left collarbone, and a collapsed right lung (pneumothorax).

“On Wednesday, May 28, Luca Marini suffered a heavy fall while testing for the Suzuka 8-Hour and will remain in Japan for observation and recovery,” a statement from Honda read.

“After the British GP, Luca Marini travelled to the Suzuka Circuit for a first test on the CBR1000RR-R SP. Having completed a successful first day, the Italian began the second day of his program but crashed heavily.

“Suffering from a dislocated left hip, damage to the ligaments in his left knee, fractures in the sternum and left collarbone, and a right-sided pneumothorax, Marini was transferred to a local hospital and stabilised.

“Marini will remain under observation in Japan until he is deemed fit to travel. Honda HRC and the Honda HRC Castrol team will support Marini fully in his recovery.”

Currently sitting 13th in the MotoGP world standings after seven rounds—making him Honda’s second-highest ranked rider this season—Marini has shown steady form throughout 2025, with a season-best finish of eighth and a total of 38 championship points.

His MotoGP contract concludes at the end of this year, and he recently disclosed during the British Grand Prix that discussions regarding a renewal with Honda are ongoing.

With the Aragon Grand Prix fast approaching next weekend, it appears highly unlikely Marini will be fit to participate. Honda has previously turned to seasoned testers Takaaki Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro, either of whom could be drafted in to cover his absence should it be required.