Luca Marini will take no further part in the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island after Saturday’s medical examination found him unfit to continue. The Honda rider is dealing with a viral illness, fever and muscle weakness, and his withdrawal leaves Honda HRC without a rider for the remainder of the weekend.

Marini’s Friday was already severely restricted. He managed only two flying laps in FP1, ending 6.048 seconds behind Marc Marquez, and then sat out the afternoon Practice session. MotoGP Chief Medical Officer Dr Angel Charte said Marini had suffered a high fever for three to four days. During the preceding 48 to 72 hours, he had also developed muscle weakness in both the upper and lower parts of his body.

Honda HRC was already missing Joan Mir, who remains sidelined by ongoing health problems dating back to Misano and was not replaced at Phillip Island. The team’s test-rider options are unavailable as well: Takaaki Nakagami was injured during a wildcard appearance at Motegi, while Aleix Espargaro is out after undergoing surgery for arm pump. Charte said Marini’s condition will be assessed again in Malaysia.