Despite reports of having been spotted in the gym in preparation for a return to MotoGP racing, Marc Marquez may not be fit enough to see the start of the 2021 season. The fractured humerus he suffered in Jerez was enough to end his participation during the 2020 season and after a third surgery in December 2020 to repair a plate in his arm, his recovery may take longer than anticipated.
Thankfully, Andrea Dovizioso is at the ready to take up the mantle for the Honda crew if need be. Severally trailing Marquez in previous championships, this may be an opportunity for the Italian to finally shine from the top. According to his manager, Simone Battistella, Dovizioso has been training as if in full MotoGP pre-season mode.
The veteran rider had earlier announced a sabbatical from racing in 2021, with a desire to return to the MotoGP circuit in 2022. He confirmed having declined several offers to take up test rider positions from several manufacturers, preferring to wait for a project that would suit his passion and ambition. He is likely targeting 2022 due to the many contracts that will be up for renewal at that time.
However, despite this preparation and planning, it is worth noting that Dovizioso is not the top choice for the Honda Crew’s chief, Santi Hernandez. He has indicated a preference for the HRC test rider, Stefan Bradl, in taking the spot should Marquez miss out on the opening rounds of the 2021 season.
Hernandez attributes this opinion to Bradl having performed well as a test rider and his familiarity with the bike. Bradl also did well during the 2019 campaign, having twice scored Top 10 positions in the last six races.
For now, it is still unknown whether Marquez will make the pre-season testing on March 28th in Qatar. His team, however, remains hopeful with reports that his check-up in mid-January gave a satisfactory result. Whether Dovizioso or Bradl will be needed to fill his spot is still up in the air.
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