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Marc Marquez’s recovery from his latest injury will continue even longer than anticipated, with his Repsol Honda team confirming that he will miss out on his home race at Jerez this weekend – with former MotoGP rider and current Honda WSB star Iker Lecuona instead deputising for Marquez.
The unexpected news comes as yet another setback for Marquez after crashing out of the opening race of the year in Portugal, taking Miguel Oliveria with him and Jorge Martin broke his foot in the incident.
Smashing his own right hand in the fall, Marquez had originally been targeting a return at the Circuit of the Americas 10 days ago – but, with the bone still not healed, he will now sit out another race and instead target a return in Le Mans in two weeks’ time.
“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,” said Marquez in a statement released by the team.
“Together with the medical team, we decided not to take any risks, to wait two more weeks and return in Le Mans.
“I am very sorry to miss the Spanish Grand Prix because it is always special, because of the atmosphere, racing at home and above all, seeing and enjoying the fans.
“I will continue with the rehabilitation and work to be back as soon as possible. Thank you for your messages of support!”
The return of former Tech3 KTM racer Iker Lecuona to the MotoGP paddock will be a welcome chance to re-evaluate the 23-year-old.
First promoted for the final round of 2019 before spending two seasons with the French team in 2020 and 2021, his improving results towards the end of his second year meant that many saw his sudden departure as unfortunate.
Since then, he’s been plying his trade as a World Superbike racer, joining former Moto2 rival Xavi Vierge as a part of Honda’s official effort in the production bike series, with a best result so far of third.
Lecuona’s appointment comes thanks to prior commitments for normal stand-in Stefan Bradl, who was already set to resume his role as Honda’s test rider with a wildcard appearance at Jerez ahead of Monday’s post-race test there.
