Last week, the Repsol Honda press service sent out an interesting video clip in which Marc Marquez describes the scenarios of his existence as a MotoGP pilot in an interview format: he intends to return to the race this year at least once. But all aspirations are in 2023. It will either be a triumph of sport and personality, or one of the greatest racers of our time will admit defeat.
Marquez and Honda Racing have confirmed that the 6-time MotoGP champion is returning. So far, the doctors have not allowed him to get on the bike, but Mark is actively engaged in strength training to compensate for the loss of muscle mass after the 4th operation on his right arm (in June this year). He believes that he will be able to return to the wheel of the prototype in the light form in September. But he will appear in the MotoGP paddock in August, as a guest and expert of his own team.
“The most important thing for me is that the bone is fused and restored correctly. Step by step, I started rehabilitation, running and working in the gym, and swimming in the pool. While in light form. But I’ve been working hard on cardio for a long time so as not to lose endurance due to lack of activity,” says Mark.
“At the end of August, it will be 12 weeks after the operation, we will check again the condition of the bone in order to make a decision about returning to work with the bike.”
After the examination at the end of August, Mark will have 2 more weeks left to better prepare for the main thing.
The whole plan is designed for one thing: HRC is preparing changes in the RC213V prototype, and Marquez is preparing himself physically for a rematch.
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The first contact of the New RC213V and the New Marquez will take place at the official IRTA tests in Misano, which will follow the San Marino Grand Prix. Accordingly, Mark will be present at the Red Bull Ring and in Misano to talk to both Stefan Bradl, the European developer of the Honda prototype, and Japanese engineers who will fly to Austria to stay with the team until the San Marino Grand Prix and the most important tests of the season.
Marquez personally does not confirm his participation in the tests at 100%, but he would really like to return to the ranks as soon as possible: “If the doctors say: everything is OK, you can intensify your rehabilitation program! – and we will immediately move to a new level. Well, that is, if I feel that I can ride a bike, I will immediately start training. I need to get the motorcycle feeling back to 100% before I get back in the prototype saddle. Because it requires strength in specific muscles…”
And then… Marquez made a significant statement: “My goal, a realistic goal after a detailed discussion with the doctors, is to participate in some races this year. Maybe it will be the last two races of the season. Possibly one is Valencia to get back into the working rhythm. Forget about the result. Just the rhythm. My feelings. Review of the motorcycle. I’ll get a new bike in Valencia. I will need to understand it, and give feedback to the Japanese.”
“Because not only me, but Honda is in a difficult position at the moment, and we are on the same team. We win and lose together. We will walk this path together.”
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… or break up. Marquez is well aware that after missing essentially two seasons, he is further and further removed from the top position and fulfilling his contract before Honda – to bring HRC titles.
“This is the last operation my body can afford. If everything is as the doctors say, as I feel myself, everything will be fine and in 2023 I will return to fight for the title. In a month or two, I will know exactly how my arm has recovered. If it is good, then it will be enough for me. A different scenario?.. Coming back won’t make sense,” Marquez added.