Marc Marquez: Great feeling to be returning to MotoGP

Repsol Honda will be back at full strength this weekend, as Marc Marquez makes his much anticipated return to MotoGP at the Portuguese Grand Prix. 

The six-time premier class world champion was cleared by doctors over the weekend before confirming his return on social media. 

"It’s a great feeling to be returning to MotoGP, with my team and my bike," added Marquez.

"We have been working very hard to achieve this, many hours in the gym and with my physio Carlos. 

"We would have liked to have been in Qatar, but finally my doctors advised me against it and I listened to them. 

"I have really focused on listening to the doctors and understanding my body so that I can return to MotoGP and do what I love." 

Marquez has not competed at the Algarve International Circuit competitively before, but had a recent test at Portimao ahead of his return.

Marquez said: "I have a little bit of experience in Portugal but the aim of this weekend is to work well. Step by step, we are coming back and this is very positive after a long period."

It will be the first race back for Marquez after nine months away since suffering a broken humerus in his right arm at Jerez in July 2020. 

Marquez ramped up his preparations last month with track days in Barcelona followed by the above mentioned Portimao, which were both on a RC213V-S Honda.

While Marquez missed the double header in Qatar, the championship situation could certainly have looked worse than it is currently, as several key names who are expected to fight for the title including 2020 world champion Joan Mir and especially vice-champion Franco Morbidelli scored less points than expected.