Honda’s MotoGP campaign at the Australian Grand Prix continues to unravel as Luca Marini was limited to just two laps on Friday at Phillip Island due to a viral infection, leaving the team’s hopes hanging by a thread. Marini, stepping in as Honda’s sole rider following Joan Mir’s undisclosed physical issues, struggled visibly throughout the opening free practice session, posting a lap time of 1:34.033 that placed him 21st and last—four seconds behind Diogo Moreira, next in the standings, and six seconds off Marc Márquez’s leading 1:27.985.

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The Italian rider, brother of Valentino Rossi, had already warned media on Thursday that he felt physically weak but was determined to attempt running. However, the severity of his condition quickly became apparent as he abandoned FP1 after just two laps. Honda confirmed moments before the critical FP2 session that Marini would not participate further on Friday and would undergo medical evaluation Saturday morning to determine his fitness for the race.

Alberto Puig, Honda’s team principal, elaborated on Marini’s situation in an interview with DAZN, revealing the rider arrived at Phillip Island already unwell. “Luca was feeling bad last week and arrived here compromised,” Puig explained. “Dr Ángel Charte diagnosed him with a viral infection and recommended complete rest. Luca tried to get on track but lost all strength in his arms after two laps. On a circuit like this, where you need full physical control, it was impossible to continue.” Puig added uncertainty over Marini’s recovery chances, stating, “We will reassess him tomorrow morning, but it’s unclear if he can recover in time.”

The Honda crisis deepened as Puig also updated on Joan Mir’s condition, expressing cautious optimism. “Mir is improving. I spoke to him today, and it looks likely he will be fit to race in Sepang. It’s been a long road since Misano, but hopefully, we will have at least one rider on track next weekend.” Puig lamented the team’s depleted lineup, noting the setbacks suffered by Takaaki Nakagami and Aleix Espargaró have left Honda with no available pilots, calling the situation “frustrating.”

As the 18th round of the 2026 season unfolds, Honda faces a critical juncture with its rider availability in jeopardy. Marini’s health remains the pivotal question mark heading into qualifying and the race, underscoring the fragile state of Honda’s MotoGP campaign in Australia. Puig’s final words encapsulate the grim reality: “We’ll see if he can make it, but the circumstances are tough.”