After renewed vision problems, it’s unclear when Marc Marquez will ride again, with some even doubting his return – A MotoGP manager assesses the situation
“Today I don’t feel like smiling, but I will find a way to do it again. Always with strength,” Marc Marquez wrote on his Twitter account this Thursday, after it was confirmed earlier this week that his vision problems from the Mandalika crash had returned
The Spaniard had already had to miss last Sunday’s race. The reason for this was a concussion. On the way back to his home country, the first signs of diplopia, from which he already suffered in November 2021, became noticeable. This time, however, it was “less pronounced”.
It is still unclear when the Honda rider will recover and return to the paddock. Some are even speculating about a possible retirement, as was the case after his humerus fracture in 2020. Rider manager Carlo Pernat hopes that it won’t come to that.
Pernat: How competitive can Marquez still be?
“The only one who can muster the strength and passion to overcome another obstacle like this is Marc Marquez,” says the Italian, speaking to ‘Motosan.es’. “Not to have him on the track would be a huge blow for everyone.”
“But you have to know how long it will take and if there is enough time for a real recovery, or better, how high the price could be to force a comeback. “
For Marquez, it is the third serious injury in two years, the second to affect his vision. Pernat has doubts that the six-time MotoGP champion will be as competitive when he returns.
“I think he will come back. Somehow he will come back and we will see him on the track again, but it is impossible to understand if he will still be so competitive. In any case, I hope so. For him and for all of MotoGP, because Marquez is MotoGP now, whether we like it or not. “
Stefan Bradl stands by as possible replacement rider
As for the next race in Argentina, if Marquez is not fit again, Honda will have to look for a replacement. This is because the MotoGP regulations stipulate that an injured rider must be replaced within ten days. So for the weekend of 1 to 4 April, Honda will have to enter two riders.
But before making a decision, the team will wait for Marquez’s next examination with his ophthalmologist, Dr Sanchez Dalmau, which will take place next week. Based on the doctor’s diagnosis, they will take the next step.
The best news would be that Marquez will be able to travel to Argentina. But if the recommendation is to extend the rest period, Honda will nominate a replacement.
The most logical choice would clearly be test rider Stefan Bradl. The 32-year-old German has already replaced Marquez for much of the 2020 season – and for another five races in 2021. He extended his test rider contract in September until the end of 2022, which will be his fifth year in the position.
