Analysis: What to expect from the return of Marc Márquez? 2/2

This episode follows the first part, published yesterday.

July 19, 2020. Jerez circuit, Andalusia. While the reigning world champion has just fallen on this Sunday of racing, no one suspects what this will entail. Apart from a test the following weekend, Marc Márquez will not return to race to defend his title. The one who had never been injured since his arrival in MotoGP seven years ago was put to rest. Only problem: no one knows when the latter will make his return. How will he come back? Will he win the world championship again? Together, let's try to study his case through the prism of history.

What you need to understand is that Márquez is far from being an isolated case. Many other drivers before him experienced serious problems, sometimes repeatedly, and came back more or less well. There are four categories. After looking at the last two yesterday, let's now focus on the last two, which are more fortunate for Spanish.

3°: The injury allows a slightly reduced return.

This category is quite rare, because it more often impacts the drivers in the peloton. As a general rule, champions of Márquez's caliber come back either 100%, or very difficult (see part 1). It is presented here because it can impact the mentality of a pilot. The case of Tito Rabat is screaming.

Injured at Silverstone in 2018, Esteve was no longer the same after this event. The mental aspect plays a huge role and once again, it is completely normal and should not be diminished. The probability that Marc will return slightly diminished is therefore low, but not non-existent.

This alteration can only last for a while. This is a possible possibility. Alex Rins experienced this feeling after his wrist injury, disrupting his rookie year (2017). Not touching a motorcycle for two months, he gradually gained confidence and progressed in a linear manner, until his first podium the following year. This category, undoubtedly the most common, does not apply so much to serious injuries. But each case being unique, it deserved to be mentioned.

4°: The injury has no impact on performance upon return, and even strengthens the pilot's mentality. This category is reserved for the greats of this sport.

Ernst Degner, king of small categories, was the victim of a huge fire in Suzuka in 1963. The extreme burns required more than 50 skin grafts. This did not disconcert the East German, who won races later in his career.

In fact, it looks like it was created to Mick Doohan himself. Victim of a very serious accident in Assen in 1992, the latter was transported to the nearest hospital. The right leg is severely affected. The doctors are clear: amputation is necessary given the complications. Doctor Costa, in charge of the Mobile Clinic, is not of this opinion. He decides to escape Doohan from the hospital in order to treat him personally. An incredible story enters the annals.

Doohan avoided the worst and got back on a motorbike before the end of the season! This accident did not prevent the Australian from winning five consecutive titles, from 1994 to 1998. A truly superhuman feat. Of course, we wish Márquez such a recovery. Moreover, this is the most probable path according to Maverick Vinales, who easily imagines his compatriot get back on a motorbike to win. In this case, the injury could even encourage the No. 93 to ride in a more lethal, more calculated manner in order to leave the competition no chance, while limiting the risk of falling. This is a path not to be overlooked.

Either way, we wish Márquez an excellent recovery, as with any physically diminished pilot. They are the soul of this sport and their presence is essential, inseparable from the spectacle. Let's pray that 2021 will be kinder!

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport