'No cause for concern' despite ongoing Marc Marquez absence

Repsol Honda insists that injured MotoGP champion Marc Marquez's recovery is 'proceeding as planned', following rumours from Spain that a third operation may be needed.

A report by Mundo Deportivo said that Marquez - who broke his right arm at the Jerez season opener on July 19, then required a second operation on August 3 when the original plate broke under the strain of preparing for an early return - is not satisfied with the progress of his arm, won't compete again this season and is considering more surgery.

That apparently prompted the following short statement to be issued by Repsol Honda:

'The Repsol Honda Team would like to confirm that Marc Marquez’s recovery is proceeding as planned. While it is a long and intense recovery, Marc and those [in] his team have no cause for concern.'

At the same time, a picture of Marquez doing weight training appeared on social media:

The only timeframe issued by HRC since Marquez's second operation was a '2-3 months' estimate, provided on August 22, meaning somewhere between October 22 and November 22.

It's now known that Marquez will not be back for this weekend's second Aragon round, after which there are only three more races (two at Valencia and one at Portimao) before the end of the season.

"Portimao will be interesting to finish the season. I hope to be there," Marquez said last month.

HRC test rider Stefan Bradl continues to replace Marc Marquez, whose younger brother and rookie team-mate Alex has been on the podium at the last two rounds.

Portimao would be the last chance for the Marquez brothers to race as team-mates before Alex moves to LCR next season.