Marc Marquez injury threatens to put Honda on back foot in MotoGP test

Marc Marquez says it’s unlikely he’ll be able to complete a full programme of mileage during MotoGP testing on February 7-9 after admitting recovery from his latest shoulder injury has been ‘more difficult’ than last year.

The Repsol Honda rider comes into the 2020 season on the back foot after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder in November, the lingering consequence of heavy accidents in Thailand and Malaysia, albeit aggravated by a low speed fall during post-season testing at Jerez. 

It is almost a repeat of twelve months ago when Marquez had surgery on his left shoulder, but while he says the operation this time was simpler, he’s facing a ‘more complex’ recovery period this time.

Indeed, with two weeks to go until testing starts in Malaysia, he is yet to ride a motorbike, leading Marquez to admit he won’t be able to complete as much track running as necessary.

"In the last two weeks I’ve made a pretty big step and at the start of the month I wasn’t that optimistic. The operation was simpler but the recovery has been more complex and more difficult. They told me that when they open the shoulder that there are nerves and muscles that can be affected. 

"It has taken longer than we thought. I’ve disappeared a bit from social media because I’ve been 100% concentrated on what I needed to do."

"I really want to ride again and try at least one type of bike before going to Malaysia. We haven’t done it yet because I haven’t been ready."

Honda workload to fall on Cal Crutchlow’s shoulders?

Marquez’s troubles mean Honda will be forced to rely more on a ‘very capable’ LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow for data as Alex Marquez’s rookie status means he’ll be limited to simply getting up to speed on the new RC213V.

"Last year Jorge Lorenzo was injured and so it fell to me to evolve the bike," Marquez continued.

"Now the dynamic is the same because my team-mate is Alex and he’s a rookie and cannot ask much when it comes to concepts of the bike because – like Jorge Lorenzo – he has to understand the bike and know how is a Honda.

"There is also [LCR Honda's] Cal Crutchlow who is very capable to also have a second opinion of the development.

"I think the test in Malaysia will be like last year; I won’t be able to do all the laps I want but it will help to work on the shoulder as well."