As Motorsport.com Italia reports, Honda's weekend at the Australian Grand Prix turned into an absolute disaster on Friday as a nasty virus struck Luca Marini. The Italian rider managed just two laps during the opening practice session before he had to call it quits, leaving the factory squad in an even deeper bind.
Things already looked grim for the team arriving at Phillip Island with only one rider, as Joan Mir remained sidelined due to health issues lingering since Misano. Marini had warned the media on Thursday that he was feeling weak and unwell, but the #10 machine still headed out for FP1 to test his physical limits.
He went out on track, but after two laps he saw that he had no more strength in his arms,
It was a very short experiment. Marini completed only two laps, setting a time of 1'34"033 that placed him 21st and well behind Marc Marquez, who led the session with a 1'27"985. Lacking any strength in his arms, the rider from Urbino sat out the afternoon session entirely after Honda confirmed he was battling a virus.
"After completing a limited number of laps in the morning due to a virus, Luca Marini will not take part in the rest of Friday, following the recommendations of the MotoGP medical staff. His condition will be re-evaluated on Saturday morning," the team explained in a statement.
Team manager Alberto Puig elaborated on the situation to DAZN, noting that Marini had already felt unwell the previous week and arrived in Australia severely debilitated. After an examination by Dr. Angel Charte, strict rest was ordered. "He went out on track, but after two laps he saw that he had no more strength in his arms," Puig said, adding that tackling such a fast circuit without physical power is impossible.
Amid the gloom, Puig offered a glimmer of hope regarding Mir, stating that his condition is improving and pointing to a possible return at Sepang next weekend. With other riders also facing absences, the team manager admitted the situation has been deeply frustrating, leaving everyone waiting on Saturday's medical clearance for Marini's potential continuation at the 18th round of the 2026 season.
