Marc Marquez to travel to Misano after positive private tests to get back on his MotoGP Honda next week – race comeback expected at Aragon
After Marc Marquez practiced on his bike for the first time since undergoing his fourth arm surgery last Wednesday and did his laps again on Friday, it is clear that the Honda rider will travel to Misano, where MotoGP is currently guesting, to take part in next week’s official test.
“After two positive tests on a Honda CBR600RR at MotorLand Aragon on 31 August and 02 September, Marc Marquez has gained valuable knowledge about the condition of his arm,” Honda announced in a press release on Friday.
“Satisfied with the progress of his right humerus, Marquez will now travel to the San Marino Grand Prix with the intention of further testing his physical condition on his Honda RC213V during the post-race MotoGP test. “
Bradl: “No big surprise “
If Marquez gets the go from the track doctors, nothing should stand in the way. This medical check is due to take place on Saturday. His arrival in Misano is expected on Friday evening. As he did a fortnight ago in Spielberg, the Spaniard will be supporting his team in the pits this weekend.
Can you follow me? Let’s gooooMM93 pic.twitter.com/n2s0NTkybQ
– Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) September 2, 2022
Stefan Bradl, when asked about Marquez’s comeback, says: “It was not a big surprise. I am happy that he is getting better and better. It will be interesting to see where his level is. But I think he will be busy with his physical condition for now. So we will have to wait and see.”
“Should he be able to test some new parts, that would certainly help. But let’s see how he feels on the bike.” The aim, he said, is of course to continue to work closely together to find a direction with Honda for the coming season.
Honda needs feedback from Marquez
Pol Espargaro also stresses that. “His comeback is mainly related to the new bike,” he says of Marquez’s participation in the Misano test. “It is extremely important to define the way forward with the new prototype. After this test, the direction should be clear. That’s why Marc is there.”
“Honda is of course afraid of building a new bike without having his feedback. I don’t know how he feels physically. But for Honda and certainly for Marc, it’s very important to test together to see if the new prototype works or at least to determine the way. “
Marquez is aware of the current difficult situation. After all, he has always communicated with the team and him even in his absence, Bradl affirms. “And we will certainly talk a lot during the course of this weekend and discuss the plan for Tuesday and Wednesday. “
Colleagues expect Aragon comeback
When asked if Marquez could be back in the racing action as early as Aragon, the German replied, “I think if he does well on these two test days, there is a good chance that he will come back. That would make sense.”
“Of course he has to be careful, but I think he will be in a good shape. But as I said, we have to wait for Tuesday, Wednesday.” Francesco Bagnaia, meanwhile, firmly expects Marquez to make a race comeback at the next Grand Prix.
“I think he will race in Aragon. And we all know Marc: when he starts testing on Tuesday, he will want to be fast. If he finds after the first day that he is already in a good situation, he will be there for the Grand Prix at Aragon. And that is something we can all be happy about.”
However, a resurgent Marquez could give the Ducati rider the benefit of the doubt in the fight for the title. “I hope so,” says current World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo when asked about this possibility and laughs.
“I hope he can fight with us again soon and try to destroy the red bikes’ plan a little bit. But I think it’s great that he’s coming back. After these two days of testing he and we will have a clearer idea of what his potential is for future races. “