There’s positive news coming from the Honda camp regarding Marc Marquez’ recovery process. According to team boss Alberto Puig, the Repsol Honda rider is reportedly in high spirits as he progresses following a fourth surgery on his problematic right humerus.
Though absent from the Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland, the eight-time World Champion is still at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds which is unsurprising, given he has taken eight-straight premier class victories at the Sachsenring. Initial reports from the HRC camp were positive following his operation, and Repsol Honda Team Manager Puig updated MotoGP™ Pitlane Reporter Simon Crafar on the situation during FP3 in Germany.
"First of all, he is happy, because he is feeling well. He will soon have some check-ups with the doctors. He is starting to move the hand. Last time I talked to him by phone and I could feel he was very motivated, enthusiastic. I could see him in a good mood."
Later in the day, word came through from the Repsol Honda Team that their talisman has indeed now had his first check-up since surgery. Marquez was examined at Madrid’s Ruber Internacional Hospital by a medical team comprised of Dr. Joaquín Sánchez Sotelo, Dr. Samuel Antuña and Dr. Ángel Cotorro, and the evaluation was positive.
"Today I had a medical check-up in Madrid and the doctors are happy," he said. "My arm is immobilised and it will be like this for the next few weeks. My feelings so far are positive because I have no pain, which is very important. It allows me to rest and follow the rules of the doctors: a healthy diet, drink a lot and go for walks with our dogs, because it is important that the body is not inactive. The most important thing the doctors tell me is that now I have to be calm and patient."
Even if he isn’t present in body, Marquez is still playing a key role in the team as they strive to develop the RC213V even further. On Friday evening, LCR rider Alex Marquez admitted that he had a direct line to the team during the Catalunya Test.
"He is always in contact, trying to know and understand what is going on in Honda, and what they are doing. He is not disconnected from the racing. He is always calling me and everything. He knows how important that test was for Honda, and for that reason, he was connected," Marquez said in his debrief before quipping: "He is my brother, it’s normal he’s keeping an eye on me!"
We are still yet to receive an expected timeframe on the elder Marquez brother's return to action, with the focus now being on recuperation and recovery.