MARQUEZ TO SKIP SEASON OPENER

Six-time premier class motorcycle world champion Marc Marquez will miss the opening two rounds of the 2021 MotoGP season as he continues his lengthy recovery from a broken humerus.

Marquez was fighting against the clock to make a full recovery for the opening round race in Qatar, however the Spaniard has come up short, being advised by doctors not to contest the opening two events to give his humerus more time to strengthen.

The factory Honda rider broke his right humerus in the closing stages of the season opening race at Jerez in July last year after a big high side launched him into the gravel trap.

Marquez had a plate fitted in the following days and looked set to return one week later, however the plate had snapped and forced Marquez out for several more weeks.

The second surgery was completed but proved unsuccessful as Marquez picked up an infection in a humerus bone not discovered until December.

The third surgery worked successfully and gave Marquez 15 weeks to get back to full fitness and compete in the opening round.

Despite doctors giving Marquez the all clear to start training two weeks ago, they have advised him not to compete in the opening two rounds in case he further damages the healing bone.

A statement by Honda confirmed that the 56-time MotoGP race winner will not compete in the opening round.

“Marc Marquez, together with his medical team from the Hospital Ruber Internacional, have considered it prudent not to re-join competition this weekend in Qatar,” it read.

“In the review carried out on the Spanish rider by the medical team led by Doctors Samuel Antuña and Ignacio Roger de Oña, and made up of Doctors De Miguel, Ibarzabal and García Villanueva, 15 weeks after surgery for an infected pseudoarthrosis of the right humerus, a good clinical response has been found after the intensification of his training.

“However, considering the time period and the current state of the bone consolidation process, doctors consider it prudent and necessary not to accelerate Marquez’s return to the track after such an inactive time, and to avoid putting the humerus at risk in intense competition.

Although the team only confirmed that Marquez will miss the opening race, the Spaniard himself announced on social media that he will miss two races.

“After the latest check-up with the medical team, they have advised me not to participate in the two Qatar races, so we will continue with the recovery to return to compete as soon as possible,” Marquez confirmed.

Marquez’s next medical check is also not scheduled until Monday, April 12 after the second round, backing up evidence that he will not compete in Round 2.

Although not confirmed, it is expected that Honda test rider Stefan Bradl will ride in Marquez’s place as he did in 12 races last year.

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