No Marquez for Spain, Kazakhstan GP cancelled

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 27 April 2023

Marc Marquez will miss his home race due to his ever-longer injury recovery, while Kazakhstan will not host its first MotoGP race in 2023.

Marquez and the iconic #93 Repsol Honda bike has not been seen since the season-opening round at Portugal where the Spaniard crashed into Miguel Oliveira.

The six-time MotoGP world champion suffered an intra-articular fracture of the first metacarpal on his right hand in the high-speed shunt.

As a result Marquez missed the Argentina and Americas Grands Prix and was expected to be ready for his home race at Jerez this weekend.

Despite a successful operation four weeks ago, Marquez and his medical team led by Dr. Roger de Ona decided it was too “risky” to race in Spain.

Marquez will miss the big race to continue his recovery and shift attention to the French Grand Prix on May 12-14.

After Stefan Bradl performed substitute duties at COTA, Team HRC WorldSBK rider Iker Lecuona will replace Marquez this weekend.

“Yesterday (Tuesday) we did another CT scan and it has been confirmed that, despite the fact that the injury is progressing favourably, the bone has not yet finished healing and racing in Jerez was risky,” Marquez said.

“Together with the medical team, we decided not to take any risks, to wait two more weeks and return to Le Mans.

“I am very sorry to miss the Spanish Grand Prix because it is always special, because of the atmosphere, racing at home and above all, seeing and enjoying the fans.

“I will continue with the rehabilitation and work to be back as soon as possible. Thank you for your messages of support!”

The ninth round of the 2023 MotoGP season was supposed to be held at a new home in Kazakhstan.

The race was scheduled to be held on July 7-9 at the new Sokol Circuit at Almaty.

However, the 4.495km track with a capacity of 74,000 will not welcome the MotoGP world in 2023.

Due to ongoing homologation works, paired with “current global operational challenges” FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports confirmed the 2023 Kazakhstan Grand Prix will be cancelled.

Despite the blow, a statement confirmed the sport will eventually go to the Sokol Circuit when completed.

“MotoGP looks forward to visiting Sokol International Racetrack in 2024 to welcome a new region to the calendar,” read the statement.

The Kazakhstan Grand Prix will not be replaced in 2023, bringing the calendar back from 21 to 20 races with Spain next up this weekend.

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

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No Marquez for Spain, Kazakhstan GP cancelled

Despite a successful operation four weeks ago, Marquez and his medical team led by Dr. Roger de Ona decided it was too “risky” to race in Spain.

“Yesterday (Tuesday) we did another CT scan and it has been confirmed that, despite the fact that the injury is progressing favourably, the bone has not yet finished healing and racing in Jerez was risky,” Marquez said.

The ninth round of the 2023 MotoGP season was supposed to be held at a new home in Kazakhstan.

Due to ongoing homologation works, paired with “current global operational challenges” FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports confirmed the 2023 Kazakhstan Grand Prix will be cancelled.

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