Marquez: “My intention is to compete in a few races this year… answer next week”

Since the Italian GP more than 80 days ago, Marc Marquez had not traveled to a circuit in order to focus on his convalescence. This weekend for the Austrian GP, ​​the eight-time world champion came to visit his team, but he also held a press briefing with the media on site to talk about his recovery, his preparation and Honda's situation.

“I’m happy to be here,” he began. At Mugello I informed you of my decision and it seems that now everything is going in the right direction (…). For this reason, doctors take care of each of the steps to follow. We are going slowly, but safely, because we know how important this recovery is. I feel pretty good. In the end, it's an arm that has undergone four operations and we are working to adapt correctly. At least it now functions normally (…)”

“When I feel ready, I will come back, because it will be important to prepare for 2023”

And precisely in the list of upcoming phases is a visit to the doctor in a few days to find out how his arm is doing. “Next week, we will have an important visit,” he emphasizes. I will have a scan and from there they will see if I can increase the weight. When I can do it, I will immediately understand if I can fly, if it is enough or not. We are optimistic, we work every week, we increase the workload and the arm is working in the right way. » 

The question everyone is asking: Will Marquez be racing by the end of the season? “It is true that my intention is to compete in a few races this year,” he said. Next week, I will have the answer if it is possible or not (…) I don't want to say that I would do one race, two races, three races… I don't know. (…) they will tell me what the condition of the bone is. It's okay, I'll start working. When I feel ready, I will come back, because it will be important to prepare for 2023.” 

Honda in a complicated situation… Marquez to the rescue?

Although absent from the last four races, Marquez is still the highest ranked Honda representative overall in 14th position with 60 points on the clock. Without him, the Japanese manufacturer is in difficulty, but, even if he does not ride, the Spaniard wants to contribute to the development of the RC213V version 2023. “Obviously, you see, Honda HRC is going through a difficult time,” confided Mark. Not just one pilot, all pilots. When all the pilots are in a difficult moment, it means that the project is not in its best moment. But it's true, as I said at Mugello, that I have the experience of 2020 and 2021. I disconnected too much and when I came back everything was new. This time I try to stay in touch with Santi (Hernandez) and Stefan Bradl, especially with my team. Of course, my brother rides Honda, but I prefer to keep this relationship with my team, the Honda engineers. One of the reasons I'm here is not to see the bike on the track. I'm here to talk with Honda, with the engineers... Of course, I can't decide what needs to be done, but I want to be more involved in the project. Even in difficult times, everyone must move in the same direction. It's impossible for one guy to make a difference. Teamwork is important in these times and that's what we do. »