Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez has returned to Spain following a fourth surgery on his problematic right humerus. The eight-time World Champion had gone under the knife at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA in a bid to rectify the issue in the immediate aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix.
By all accounts, it appears that the three-hour surgery was a success and the number 93 can now begin to focus on the recovery process, with HRC’s Team Manager Alberto Puig confirming as much.
"The surgery went well, Dr Sanchez Sotelo was very happy and Marc is already now back in Spain. He will start his recovery slowly, following the instructions from the doctor. We are very happy that he is back home, and he can start thinking about the recovery of his right humerus. It’s good when you are able to return home promptly from hospital, limiting the time away from your house," Puig said in HRC’s Track Report following the Catalan Test.
A return date for Marquez is still unknown, with the Spaniard set for regular checkups to monitor the situation. Naturally, Puig was keen to emphasise the healing process and to not put an expected timeframe on when we might see him on track next.
"The doctor said that Marc needs to take everything step by step, with periodic checks together with Dr Samuel Antuña in Spain. Both medical teams are working closely together, and this is very important. They will be evaluating the situation more or less every two to three weeks. The priority now is the healing of the bone and avoiding any major complications."
As was the case at the recent Catalan Grand Prix, Test Rider Stefan Bradl will step into the shoes of Marquez at the upcoming Grands Prix of Germany and the Netherlands. Marquez’ absence also means that for the first time since Dani Pedrosa in 2012, there will be a new rider on the top step at the Sachsenring.
Who will be crowned the new king of the ring on June 19th? Make sure you tune in across the weekend to find out!