P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Honda MotoGP rider Luca Marini injured in ‘heavy’ Suzuka test crash
Luca Marini, a member of the factory Honda MotoGP team, has sustained multiple injuries in a serious crash during testing at Suzuka and is currently under observation in Japan. Marini was testing Honda’s CBR1000RR-R in preparation for the 8-Hour endurance race, aiming for a spot in HRC’s 2025 lineup. Despite a successful first day on the bike, Marini crashed heavily on the second day, resulting in injuries such as a dislocated left hip, various fractures, and a collapsed lung. Honda has confirmed that Marini will remain hospitalized in Japan until he is cleared to travel home, with full support from Honda HRC and the Honda HRC Castrol team during his recovery. Marini, currently the second-best Honda rider in the championship, sits in 13th place in the standings and is in talks to extend his contract beyond the current season, though his injuries may prevent him from participating in the upcoming MotoGP round at Aragon. If needed, Honda has test riders Takaaki Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro available to potentially replace Marini in future races.
