MotoGP rider Luca Marini will remain in Japan after crashing 'heavily' in preparations for the Suzuka 8-Hour.

Yesterday, Honda Racing Corporation announced that Luca Marini suffered multiple injuries in a 'heavy' crash while testing for the Suzuka 8 Hours.

The Italian has been in Japan testing Honda's CBR1000RR-R at Suzuka ahead of the iconic Suzuka 8-Hour race, as he was in the hunt for a spot in the Japanese manufacturer's line-up.

After completing a successful first day at the Japanese circuit, Marini crashed on Wednesday and has suffered numerous injuries, including a dislocated left hip, damage to the ligaments in his left knee, fractures in the sternum and left collarbone, and a collapsed lung.

In a brief statement about the incident, Honda revealed that Marini has been stabilised and will remain in Japan until he is deemed fit to travel.

"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.

"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 local hospital and stabilised.

"Marini will remain under observation in Japan until he is deemed fit to travel."

As it stands Marini is the second Honda rider in the MotoGP World Championship as he finds himself in 13th place.

However, his contract with Honda expires at the end of the 2025 season. At Silverstone, he admitted that he was in talks to extend with the Japanese manufacturer. But these injuries will not have come at a good time for the Italian rider.