Marquez targets French GP return, Lecuona joins Honda in Jerez
Marc Marquez is aiming to return to MotoGP at next month’s French Grand Prix, with Honda calling in Iker Lecuona to replace him at Jerez.
Having undergone surgery on this right thumb a day after the Portuguese GP on March 27, Marquez visited the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid again this week to get an update on his health.
The medical team led by Dr. Roger de Ona deemed his clinical and radiological progression as satisfactory, but concluded that he needed more time to full recover from the injury.
As such, it has been decided that the Spaniard will also miss this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, having already skipped the previous two rounds in Argentina and US.
His place at the factory Honda team at Jerez will be taken by the Japanese marque’s Iker Lecuona, who last raced in MotoGP in 2020 as part of the Tech3 KTM line-up.
“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.
“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!”
Iker Lecuona, Team HRC
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Marquez broke the first metacarpal of the thumb of his right hand after colliding with RNF Aprilia’s Miguel Oliveira during the opening laps of last month’s MotoGP season opener in Portugal.
He was fighting for a podium position when he locked up under braking into Turn 3, hitting the Pramac Ducati of Jorge Martin before slamming into the side of Oliveira’s Aprilia.
Marquez was handed a double long lap penalty for the collision that was initially supposed to be served in Argentina, before the stewards reissued the statement noting that he must take the penalty at the next round he takes part in.
Following an appeal from Honda, the penalty has been suspended until a final verdict has been reached by the FIM Court of Appeal.
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Top Comments
Alpine open to entering IMSA with LMDh car in the future
Kvyat: Lamborghini can target WEC wins next year with car upgrades
The experiment WEC could revisit to magnify its boom period
Marquez says "we’re experts in complicating our own lives” after Motegi
Fiery Indonesia GP retirement frustrates Marquez title hopes
Is Marc Marquez ready to reclaim his MotoGP throne?
Topgolf, but for racing: F1 Arcade’s bold pitch to American F1 fans
Exclusive Q&A with Mark Miles: How the GP of Arlington is set to impact IndyCar's future
The defining moments of Williams boss Vowles’ rollercoaster season
Solberg's failed Rally Chile protest to be reheard by stewards
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
