No, it wasn't a bluff... By announcing a few days before flying to the Sepang track, scene of the first tests of the year in MotoGP, Marc Márquez announced that his operated right shoulder was only between 60 and 70% of its potential. After a Friday spent on his Honda in Malaysia, the results are apparently even worse than feared. The eight-time World Champion will therefore have to show patience while for the development of its RC213V, Honda will have to rely on Cal Crutchlow alone…
Bad times for Honda and frustration for one Marc Márquez who hates more than anything to find themselves anonymous on a timesheet. And yet, you will have to be champing at the bit in order to present yourself in Qatar, for the first Grand Prix, in a state of form worthy of your rank... For this return to Sepang, he was only able to complete 35 laps. A score that he intends to improve on over the next two days…
« This year I have more pain after shoulder surgery, but also less strength in my shoulder ", declared the Repsol Honda rider, comparing his situation to that of last year, when he was recovering from an operation on his left shoulder. “ But I expected it because there is a muscle that is not yet in good shape. However, in this first day, I did worse than expected. The position on the bike was not ideal. For example I couldn't use my elbows in turns. When I pulled up to the box, I wasn't thrilled with my time. I wanted to ride as fast as possible in 1'59. But then I forced myself to be calm and patient »
« I achieved my first goal because I wanted to complete at least 30-35 laps ", said Márquez. " Saturday I want to do 45 laps. We'll see what works on Sunday. It's good that I can become a MotoGP rider again, because it's a new exercise for the shoulder, which helps with recovery. »
The eight-time World Champion won twelve races last year and finished in second place six times, regretting only one crash in Texas. He wants to repeat this performance in 2020. But in what state will he present himself in Qatar on March 8? “ You cannot assess exactly what will happen to the body until then. But the general feeling is currently better than a year ago. It takes time until all the muscles can be reactivated. We must not forget that two weeks ago, we still weren't thinking about motorcycles. Yet, I am here now, but we must remain patient. »
He clarifies his concern: “ it's a nerve that isn't working properly yet, but the situation is constantly improving. Then the muscle will also work better, at the same time, so I will feel much better. The biceps and triceps are already in good condition. I don't feel too bad on the bike, we can already try a few things. »
« I already had experience with an injured shoulder last year. I will try to take advantage of it while driving. But the most important lesson of 2019 is: “I have to be patient.” I won't pay much attention to lap times here. And it's clear: if there was a Grand Prix today, I wouldn't be able to survive the race distance. But my goal is to feel better here every day. I have to work with my motorcycle and take care of my body at the same time. I was still far behind in this test in 2019. But it is important that we find a good base and prepare well for the Qatar Grand Prix. We have one month left and we have another test in Doha from February 22 to 24. So I have to stay calm. »
MotoGP Test Sepang J1: times
Credit ranking: MotoGP.com
Reference times:
Test record: 1'58.239 by Danilo Petrucci (Ducati) in February 2019
Official testing record: 1'58.303 by Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) in 2019
Lap record: 1'59.661 by Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) in 2019
