MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez returns after an injury layoff—he’ll be back on the grid at Ducati’s home race in Mugello this coming weekend
Marc Marquez will make his comeback this coming weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, which takes place in Mugello, following an injury layoff. The MotoGP World Champion was already on the provisional entry list on Monday.
Ducati confirmed on Tuesday that the 33-year-old will travel to Mugello on Wednesday. On Thursday, Marquez must still obtain clearance from the MotoGP doctors in order to participate in the race weekend.
It is Ducati’s important home race. Last year, the Spaniard secured pole position and won both the Sprint and the Grand Prix. Ducati is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
On May 10, the 33-year-old underwent two surgeries. During a highside crash in the Sprint at Le Mans (France), he broke the little toe on his right foot. In addition, a scheduled shoulder surgery was moved up.
Last year, Marquez was knocked down by Marco Bezzecchi during the sprint in Indonesia in early October. In the process, he sustained an injury to his right shoulder.
A few days after the crash, he underwent surgery and missed the rest of the season. It turned out that during this crash in Indonesia, a screw from a previous surgery (2019) had broken.
This slight change caused the broken screw to press against the radial nerve in his arm in very specific situations while riding. This robbed Marquez of strength and feeling in his arm.
Last week, he posted photos on Instagram showing him lifting weights with his right arm. Earlier this week, he was examined by his personal doctors. They gave him the green light for Mugello.
His brother Alex Marquez will not be in Italy. The runner-up in the world championship is recovering at home from the effects of his serious crash in Barcelona. The Gresini team has already confirmed that he will miss the races at Mugello and Balaton Park.
It has not yet been announced who will replace Alex Marquez. Test rider Michele Pirro would be the most obvious option. LCR-Honda is also still looking for a replacement rider for Johann Zarco. Test rider Takaaki Nakagami would be the most likely candidate.
