Marc Marquez confirms he will miss MotoGP season openers in Qatar

With the first race of the 2021 MotoGP season only six days away, Marc Marquez has taken the decision to miss the opening round at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on the advice of his medical team from the Hospital Ruber Internacional.

Marquez had intensified his hopes of returning for the season opener, after two track days in Barcelona and Portimao onboard an RC213V-S last week, however doctors 'consider it prudent and necessary not to accelerate Márquez’s return to the track'. 

In a review carried out on the six-time premier class world champion, several doctors have found a good clinical response following the intensification of his training, 15 weeks after surgery was conducted for an infected pseudoarthrosis of the right humerus. 

Marquez confirmed the decision, saying: "After the last review with the medical team, the doctors have advised me that the most prudent thing was not to take part in the Qatar Grand Prix and to continue with the recovery plan that we have followed in recent weeks.

"I would have loved to be able to participate in the opening race of the World Championship, but we will have to continue working to be able to recover the optimal conditions that allow us to return to competition."

That's not all, as Marquez has shared the news on social media and says he will also miss the second round in Qatar too as he hopes to return as quickly as possible. 

After the last check-up with the medical team, they have advised me not to participate in the two Qatar races so we will continue with the recovery to return to compete as soon as possible!#MM93 pic.twitter.com/vZRF1VsKzC

— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) March 22, 2021

This means Repsol Honda test rider Stefan Bradl will once again be in action for the team, as he was during the two Official MotoGP tests at the beginning of the month alongside Pol Espargaro, and for most of last season.