Marc Marquez will make a sensational return to competition at Jerez for the Andalucian MotoGP event this weekend having been passed fit to ride just two days after major surgery.
Marquez suffered a broken humerus in his right arm in a fearsome Turn 3 crash while chasing down Maveirck Vinales for second in the first Jerez contest last Sunday, forcing him to head for Barcelona for emergency surgery.
There was a threat of potential damage to his radial nerve in his right arm, but thankfully for the world champion managed to escape any issues and thus received only a titanium plate with screws to aid the healing process of his arm.
He underwent a medical examination on Thursday afternoon at Jerez in order to try and compete this weekend, despite MotoGP doctor Xavier Mir stating that the “best” case scenario would see the Honda man return for the Czech GP at Brno in two weeks time.
Expectations were that Marquez would likely be declared unfit and would have to wait, but Honda confirmed Thursday lunchtime that in fact the Spaniard had been cleared fit to return to track action for ther first free practice session on Friday morning.
Marquez will be looking to open his points account in the second Jerez encounter after his retirement in the ’20 season opener, although his competitiveness will surely be in doubt considering only 48 hours have passed since his operation.
Spanish GP victor Fabio Quartararo is the favourite heading into the Andalucian GP, although factory Yamaha man Maverick Vinales will surely be a factor with the official team keen to focus on making the hard front Michelin tyre work this time around-the seven-time premier class winner forced to back off to keep his soft front alive during the baking Spanish GP.
Cal Crutchlow has also been passed fit to ride this weekend after he underwent surgery on his wrist following a fall last weekend in Jerez during Sunday’s warm-up, which forced him to miss the race.
“Thanks to Dr. Mir that yesterday performed surgery on my scaphoid that went well. I appreciate all the messages and feel well. Will try and give it a go on Friday.”
