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The factory Honda team has effectively withdrawn from the Australian Grand Prix weekend after MotoGP medical officials ruled Luca Marini unfit to return to the track on Saturday.
With Joan Mir sidelined through illness, Marini was the factory Honda squad's sole representative at Phillip Island. However, the Italian completed just a few laps in Free Practice 1 before sitting out Friday's timed Practice session due to a viral infection.
It was hoped that the extended rest would allow Marini to recover and return for Free Practice 2. That proved not to be the case, and the Italian has unfortunately been ruled out of Round 18, bringing an early end to factory Honda's weekend in Australia. The Japanese manufacturer will still be represented by LCR satellite riders Diogo Moreira and Johann Zarco.
Honda expect Mir to make his return from a prolonged absence next week in Malaysia, while Marini will also be aiming to get back on track at the Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur.
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