The double-vision problem developed by Marc Marquez back in early November has resolved itself, and Marquez has been riding – both on a motocross track and now at Portimão on a Honda superbike. He is now planning to participate in the first official MotoGP test of the year at Sepang during the first week of February.
While his future on a motorcycle was up in the air just a few weeks ago, Marquez reports he did not have any vision problems on the demanding Portimão track. You can see him comment in the press release below as well as the video embedded at the bottom of this story. Here is the press release from Honda:
Days after returning to motorcycle riding on the motocross track, Marc Marquez’s recovery took another step forward with a full day of riding the Honda RC213V-S in Portugal.
For the first time since winning the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on October 24, 2021, Marc Marquez was back on a closed race circuit as he continued to assess the development and improvement of his diplopia. Completing a total of 65 laps over the course of the day, Marquez and his team were able to further evaluate his current condition in the lead up to the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.
The eight-time World Champion was first and foremost overjoyed to experience the thrill of riding again after his forced break. Marquez reported no major concerns with his diplopia during the day and was left pleased and optimistic with the day’s work. Attention now turns to the first pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit in early February, Marquez working to be fit and ready to return to his Repsol Honda Team RC213V.
Marc Marquez
“I am feeling very happy, first to be back on a bike at the track and also because we were able to confirm the sensations I had on a motocross bike here with the road bike. It’s a great feeling, a feeling of relief because when I was riding, I didn’t have any discomfort with my vision. Since I haven’t ridden in so long, I did notice some physical areas where I’m missing a little bit but this is just because I have not been able to have my usual pre-season. There’s a margin to improve but the positive and the fundamental take away from this test was to reconfirm the feeling we had when we first got on the motocross bike and to enjoy the good feeling of speed. I have completed an intense day of riding with long runs, I am very happy with the results. We have two weeks until testing begins in Sepang so I will take the opportunity to intensify my physical preparation and train on the bike.”
Haven’t been a fan of his but can’t argue about his talent and feel bad that is not able to compete at his former greatness. So now I won’t be too disappointed if he starts winning again. Might even be rooting for him this year.
Last season was more interesting in Mark’s absence, to me (most?) but this season I’ll be happy to watch him getting back up to pace . How many races will it take? Wiser heads are all telling him to take it nice and easy
Riding with an eye patch?
He’s done. I don’t see him returning to the insane form he once had. He often ignored risk and pushed past it way too often. He was able to ride like that with heroic feats of skill due to his head running free and clear from thoughts of risk. That same logic path is now clouded by self preservation. He won’t be able to push past this internal limit with the same lack of concern he once had. Double vision isn’t like a bone setting wrong or a limp. Sure, it’s gone, but he knows one bad bump and it could be back forever… I wish him the best and if he proves me wrong I will be cheering for him as it will require more balls than I think anyone should put on the line.
Here’s hoping this latest event knocked some common sense into him. Unlimited talent. Poor judgment.
Great news. Not a fan but I wouldn’t wish this kind of injury on anyone and I’m as curious as the next guy to see how a fully healthy MM93 stacks up against the young guns. Like others have mentioned I think he has a lot of gas left in the tank.
One thing that’s curious; he took a near GP-spec 1,000cc bike out on his first on-track test. The latest reports are putting him on a CBR600RR on his next test coming up at Aragon. Why the downsizing? I’m truly curious, anyone know what the benefit might be?
I don’t know what 1,000cc bike in particular that he rode but there are pretty strict rules about testing time on the GP bikes. I believe any superbike would be open game.
Why 600cc? No idea. Maybe it was a short notice session and this was what was available?
I’m pretty sure the rule is that they have to train on unmodified, street-legal, production motorcycles. He rode the RC213V-S then the CBR600RR. In US spec those bikes actually make very similar horsepower. I don’t know if the European track package not available in the US (which more than doubles the power of the RC213V-S) is considered street legal and unmodified over there, but I’d wager he probably rode the 101 hp version.
I doubt he rode the US spec version in Portugal. Even if it didn’t have the race kit installed (at 210BHP vs 157BHP for European spec) it would probably still out-punch a CBR 600RR in terms of torque, weight, chassis, and suspension. By any measure it’s a step backwards and defies any explanation I can come up with.
I also doubt the Number 1 Honda Motorcycle Racer would have a problem getting the Honda of his choice (within the rules, of course) at any track in the world he was meant to test at. They’d just crate whatever he wanted to pilot for the day and ship it off, no problem.
Again, it seems really odd to me.
Perhaps it is indicative of a lack of physical readiness? Started with a 157 hp bike, decided it was too taxing for a full day, so went with a 600 for the next test to get the laps in with less fatigue? I don’t know.
Like you said, it is odd indeed.
Poor guy is having a bit of a rough road on his journey from young and stupid to old and wise.
At first I was questioning the wisdom of riding motocross to test recovery. But then I remembered the recent video of Rossi’s moto track, all freshly groomed and made from only the finest dirt. It probably wouldn’t rattle him all that much. Having some nice yellow metal and a staff comes in handy once in a while.
Finally some good news in the world. I am anxious to watch the new MotoGP season. Ducati how has a bike that not only is fast, but turns, 8 bikes to contest, Yamaha seems to have Quartararo fit as ever, so much to discuss, I cant wait. Popcorn ready.
I hope he comes back strong. There is some great, fresh talent in the paddock now, and I want to see them complete against a healthy #93. Even if he never returns to his pre-crash form, a 97% Marc Marquez would still make a formidable opponent on the grid.
MM has to be one of the truly great athletes of the past decade. Rarely seen such infectious love for his sport, come what may, as from him. Hope he’s got all his “powers” back this season. Will be a joy to watch!
This could be a great season if Marc , Fabio, and Francesco stay healthy. There are also some solid contenders right behind them also. I’d throw Joan in there but am doubtful about Suzuki bringing the goods. I think bike development could be a big factor especially with the Honda.
Yeah, that’s kind of a bum deal for Mir. Suzuki doesn’t have the budget to go up against the other contenders, and culturally they don’t really have the risk appetite to attempt any big changes.
and yet they beat all but one ducati, won the 2020 championship, managed third in 2021 on a last year’s bike, and kick KTM’s ass each and everyday. They’re a little conservative, but they are great engineers. Let’s see what 2022 brings.
I always like an underdog story, and it was great seeing them win the championship. But the nature of their championship win and the effort made on the corporate side of Suzuki to defend their title last year doesn’t give me much hope. They declined putting a satellite effort together yet again despite their riders and team telling them it is necessary to compete at the highest level. It would be great to see them fighting for the win every week, but I don’t think it will happen.
They have been late to a few parties but they did bring on a starting/ride leveling device last year that Mir said was a big help.
I think its a case of rapidly shifting expectations. Were it not for their surprise 2020 title, last year’s 3rd place finish would’ve been their best in the current era, showing an even progression from their previous best seasons, 4th, 5th and 4th under Alex Rins & Maverick Vinales.
My point is that Suzuki will always be the bridesmaid unless they step it up a notch. They have good bikes and good riders, but they never make that next step until everyone else has taken two steps. I don’t know if it is simply a matter of budget or too conservative a culture or both. Mir’s was their first title in 20 years, and they haven’t even been a title contender any other year.
If the bike is still a step behind everyone else this year, Suzuki will likely lose Mir to Honda or possibly Yamaha if Morbidelli doesn’t come online.
Terrific news! Marc’s determination and upbeat personality are inspiring.
This is good to hear. I hope he comes back as strong as he was.