Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) continues to step up his recovery process as the 2022 season draws ever closer. After a few days of motocross practice at the Ponts circuit in Catalunya, the eight-time World Champion took another leap forward this weekend by returning to a speed circuit, participating an invaluable private test at the Algarve International Circuit.
Hoy nos probamos en Portimao con la RC213V-S
— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) January 16, 2022
Today we try the #RC213V-S in Portimao! #Honda pic.twitter.com/xHVSnpIQy9
Having been given the all-clear following a diplopia diagnosis, the number 93 has been making steady progress in his race to be fit for the new season. He was afforded the opportunity to ride the RC213V-S road bike in Portimao, where he was joined by brother and LCR Honda Castrol rider Alex Marquez. While not quite the same machine he will be riding at World Championship events, it is a bike with which he is extremely familiar having had numerous past encounters on it.
Back on track ???? pic.twitter.com/YthKx2mUGO
— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) January 16, 2022
Márquez put himself through the paces, reportedly recording 65 laps on track spread over four runs and despite an intense session, it was all smiles at the end of the day.
Marc Marquez: "I am feeling very happy, first to be back on a bike at the track and also because we were able to confirm the sensations I had on a motocross bike here with the road bike. It’s a great feeling, a feeling of relief because when I was riding, I didn’t have any discomfort with my vision. Since I haven’t ridden in so long, I did notice some physical areas where I’m missing a little bit but this is just because I have not been able to have my usual pre-season. There’s a margin to improve but the positive and the fundamental take away from this test was to reconfirm the feeling we had when we first got on the motocross bike and to enjoy the good feeling of speed. I have completed an intense day of riding with long runs, I am very happy with the results. We have two weeks until testing begins in Sepang so I will take the opportunity to intensify my physical preparation and train on the bike."
The next target for Marquez is the Sepang Test on February 5th and 6th, where he will try to prove his fitness as he aims for another date with Honda’s 2022 RC213V.