MARQUEZ RETURNS TO RIDING AFTER SECOND INJURY LAYOFF

Marc Marquez has taken a positive step in his recovery from an eye injury sustained back in November, riding for the first time since the incident.

The six-time MotoGP World Champion was struck down with diplopia for the second time in his career after an off-road motocross crash, a condition that causes vision issues and left him unable to complete the 2021 MotoGP season.

Marquez has been recovering since but looks to have made strong progress, receiving the all clear to resume riding from ophthalmologist Dr. Sanchez Dalmau last Monday before successfully completing a stint on the saddle.

“Marc Marquez underwent a medical examination with Dr. Sanchez Dalmau last Monday to analyse the situation of his diplopia,” a Honda team statement began.

“The ophthalmologist confirmed a clear improvement in the vision of the eight-time World Champion.

“With this progress, the Repsol Honda Team rider received authorization to ride a motorcycle and motocross, the most demanding discipline possible in the world of two wheels, was chosen by Marquez and his team.

“After a three-month absence, the Spanish rider returned to riding at the Ponts Circuit (Lleida). After several runs his sensations and feelings on the bike were more than optimistic.

“The next step for Marquez will be to ride on a paved racetrack.”

Diplopia is a familiar condition for the 28-year-old – his career was threatened by it in 2011 after a crash in the Malaysian Moto2 round.

It hasn’t just been eye issues that have hindered Marquez in recent times either, he lost all of 2020 to a broken arm.

Marquez won his last title in 2019 but with the most recent development that the Spaniard is back on the bike, he will target success in the new season which starts on March 6 in Qatar.

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