MotoGP: Marquez all set to return to the grid after nine months layoff
DOHA: Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) gets back into the fray after nine months on the sidelines as the stage is set for MotoGP third round at the Grande Premio 888 de Portugual.
After two hard-racing weekends in the Qatari capital, the grid is ready to get suited and booted for another one.
Marquez headlined the pre-event Press Conference alongside new Championship leader Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), Doha winner Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), his teammate and Qatar GP winner Maverick Vinales, reigning World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and home hero – and last year’s winner – Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
“It’s really nice to be back here with all of you, it was a hard nine months, really difficult. Tomorrow it will be time to make the most important step in my rehabilitation, riding a MotoGP bike,” said Marquez. “And it’s true I’m nervous, I have some butterflies in my stomach that aren’t normal for me. But I know after FP1 they’ll be gone, and it’s now time to enjoy it on the bike again.”
Marquez’s competitors also reacted on his return.
Johann Zarco: I think it’s so good, and the main thing it’s important for Marc. I can’t imagine, the way he is, a guy with so much energy having to stay at home and doubting whether he would have his arm back to normal.
Fabio Quartararo: It’s great for him, first of all, after such a long time without jumping on a MotoGP bike, and for the Championship. When you’re an eight-time World Champion when you’re not here all of 2020… it felt strange.
Maverick Vinales: “I think it’s great for everyone, for anyone… if a rider is one year away, as a rider for me that would be a very difficult time. So I’m really happy he can be here, for sure our way of enjoying life is riding a bike.
Joan Mir: I’m happy for Marc that he’s here, the last years he was the reference. To have him here again will be a great opportunity for me to learn from him. I’m happy he’s back.
