The right upper arm still causes Marc Marquez limitations in certain situations – That’s why he seeks qualified expertise from a compatriot
Physically, Marc Marquez came through the MotoGP test rides in Malaysia and Indonesia well. His eye and vision problems were no longer an issue. Due to this injury, Marquez had had to limit his winter training significantly. He was not able to start his pre-season preparations until mid-January.
The total of five official test days were also a good test for the riders’ fitness, because in Malaysia and Indonesia it was hot and the humidity was high. With a lot of laps being done every day, it was exhausting for all the drivers in the field.
Marquez decided against a qualifying attempt on the final day because he felt his right upper arm and was a bit exhausted. A fast lap at the absolute limit would have taken a lot of energy. Instead, he continued with normal testing work.
In the past few months, Marquez has shuffled his medical team behind the scenes. He now calls in the expertise of doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro. The Spaniard is an internationally respected sports physician. He has been looking after Rafael Nadal and the Spanish Davis Cup team for many years.
Cotorro has been an important person in the background of Nadal’s career, especially when the Spaniard has been suffering from injuries. Nadal won the Australian Open at the beginning of the year. With his 21st Grand Slam title, the 35-year-old is now the most successful tennis player of all time.
Marquez broke his right upper arm in a crash in Jerez 2020 and was out for the entire season. In total, he had to undergo three operations. He made his comeback the previous year. The strength in his arm and shoulder got better, but slower than expected.
How the new doctor has already been able to help him
That’s why the six-time MotoGP world champion decided to consult Nadal’s doctor. “With Samuel Antuna, who operated on me, we decided to work with Angel Cotorro”,
“He is the doctor of the Spanish tennis team and has a very good group together. I visited them several times over the winter. There is a physiotherapist, a fitness trainer and other areas. At the same time, I also continue to work with my usual coach.”
“But my coach doesn’t have that much experience regarding this particular injury. He didn’t know exactly what the situation inside my shoulder is, or what position a certain nerve is in after the operation.”
“Now we understand much more after in-depth analyses by Doctor Cotorro’s team. My arm injury was a year and a half ago now, but I still have limitations that affect my shoulder,” Marquez reveals. That’s why he has to pay very close attention to it.
“When this area gets inflamed, I get pain and lose power. This season I want to stabilise the performance in this area.” The changed concept of the new Honda could also help with this, as the riders now get more of their lap time at the exit of the corner instead of the entrance.