Devastating Crash at Suzuka Leaves Marini Sidelined
Factory Honda MotoGP rider Luca Marini suffered severe injuries during a testing session for the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race on May 28. The Italian rider experienced a heavy fall on his second day at the iconic Japanese circuit, resulting in a dislocated left hip, damage to the ligaments in his left knee, fractures in his sternum and left collarbone, and a right-sided pneumothorax. Marini was immediately transferred to a local hospital, where he was stabilized and remains under observation until deemed fit to travel.
The crash has ruled Marini out of participating in the Suzuka 8 Hours event, scheduled for August 3. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to compete in the upcoming MotoGP race at Aragon in Spain. Honda had already decided earlier that week that Marini would not share a bike with teammate Takumi Takahashi due to significant height differences, and now LCR Honda MotoGP rider Johann Zarco will take the spotlight alongside former MotoGP rider Iker Lecuona and Takahashi on the factory bike.
Ogura's Road to Recovery After British GP Injury
In related news, Trackhouse Aprilia rookie Ai Ogura is on the mend following a crash during Free Practice 1 at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The 24-year-old Japanese rider sustained a fracture to his right tibia, just below the knee, forcing him to withdraw from the weekend's events. Ogura underwent successful surgery earlier this week, and his team is optimistic about his return for the Aragon MotoGP round.
'The surgery is done,' Ogura stated in a team release from Trackhouse Racing. He is set to undergo a medical examination prior to the Aragon event to determine if he can travel to the Motorland Aragon circuit for a pre-event medical check. The team remains hopeful that Ogura will be back on the track soon, showcasing his talent as one of MotoGP's promising young riders.