The Repsol Honda team has announced that Marc Márquez will not compete in the Spanish Grand Prix. The Cervera pilot underwent a medical check-up yesterday, Tuesday April 25, at the Ruber Internacional Hospital after having been successfully operated on four weeks ago for an intra-articular fracture of the first metacarpal in his right hand that occurred after a crash at the Portuguese GP.
Despite the fact that the clinical and radiological evolution was considered satisfactory, due to the nature of the fracture and the time elapsed, the medical team led by Dr. Roger de Oña together with the pilot, have decided to continue with his recovery and preparation during the next few weeks and focus his possible return on the French GP, from May 12 to 14. Iker Lecuona, from Team HRC in WorldSBK, will replace Marc Márquez at the next Spanish Grand Prix.
“Yesterday we did another CT scan and it has been confirmed that, despite the fact that the injury is progressing favourably, the bone has not yet finished healing and racing in Jerez was risky. Together with the medical team we have decided not to take risks, to wait two more weeks and return to Le Mans”, stated Márquez.
“I am very sorry to miss the Spanish Grand Prix because it is always special, for the atmosphere, for racing at home and, above all, for seeing and enjoying the fans. I will continue with my rehabilitation and I will work to be back as soon as possible. Thank you for your messages of support”, added the Spaniard.
Marc Márquez is still waiting to find out if he will finally have to comply or not with the double long lap sanction that is currently suspended as a precautionary measure pending the decision of the MotoGP Court of Appeal.