Marc Marquez cleared to 'intensify recovery' for 'gradual' MotoGP return

The latest medical check on injured MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has given the green light for the Repsol Honda rider to 'intensify his strength and mobility recovery programme with a view to gradually returning to competitive racing'.

The verdict will add weight to the possibility that the Spaniard might yet try to ride in the Qatar season-opener on March 28.

Marquez has been sidelined since last July following complications to a broken right arm at the Jerez season opener, which has required three operations (the latest in December) due to a broken plate and then bone infection.

The latest checks confirm 'satisfactory progression of bone consolidation'.

Repsol Honda told Crash.net that, despite the latest update, their viewpoint on Marquez's MotoGP return hasn't changed; 'Marc and the doctors will decide when he’s ready'.

The update also doesn't mean the #93 will start track training today, but it is expected that he can immediately intensify his gym work, having made clear that – even if the bone is healed – he still has muscles to rebuild.

The full Repsol Honda update is as follows:

'In the medical review performed on Marc Marquez, 14 weeks after surgery for an infected pseudoarthrosis of the right humerus, the medical team led by Doctors Samuel Antuña and Ignacio Roger de Oña have clinically and radiographically verified satisfactory progression of bone consolidation.

'From this moment on, Marquez can now intensify his strength and mobility recovery programme with a view to gradually returning to competitive racing.'

Marquez has missed both 2021 pre-season tests, with the final outing concluding in Qatar this evening.