While undergoing therapy for double vision, Marquez is back on the track in MotoGP
Marquez has been out of action since having eyesight problems as a result of a concussion suffered in a training incident before of the Portuguese Grand Prix in November.
After being diagnosed with double vision – diplopia – in one of his eyes, the 28-year-old missed the final two races and the post-season test. Marquez had previously damaged the same eye nerve in a Moto2 incident in Sepang in 2011, which had threatened to end his racing career.
Following two months of treatment, Repsol Honda has released an update on Marquez’s condition, stating that he “progresses adequately with diplopia diagnosis.”
While the statement does not provide a precise date for Marquez’s return, it does reveal that he is increasing his pre-season training in order to be physically ready for the 2022 season. MotoGP track activity resumes next year with a shakedown test at Sepang on 31 January-2 February, followed by a formal test at the Malaysian GP site on 5-6 February, which Marquez would attend if available.
“The Repsol Honda Team rider, who last October was diagnosed with an episode of diplopia after suffering a fall while training for the Portuguese GP, has continued periodic visits to his trusted ophthalmologist to assess the evolution of his vision over the past two months,” a team statement read.
“During these reviews the progress made has been deemed favourable and as a result Marquez will continue with a conservative treatment plan for the next few weeks.
“Marc Marquez will continue to undergo periodic reviews with Dr Sanchez Dalmau during the coming weeks alongside the conservative treatment plan.
“The situation does not prevent the rider from Cervera from continuing his physical training plan to prepare himself physically for a new season.”
During last month’s Valencia Grand Prix, Honda MotoGP CEO Alberto Puig stated that given the sensitive nature of Marquez’s recovery, both the team and the rider needed to be patient and positive.
“It’s not so easy to know how a nerve can react or an eye can react,” Puig said.
“But the doctor was positive and he of course mentioned that we have to be patient, because this is not like you crash and you put [in] a plate and race next week.
“This is more serious and will need some time. Of course, I want to be confident, I’m not a doctor but I hear what the doctor said and of course we have to think positive.”
Due to his ailment, Marquez was unable to test Honda’s 2022 MotoGP bike at the post-season Jerez test in November.
is current injury marks another blow in a wretched two years for the Spaniard, having effectively missed the entire 2020 season after breaking his arm in the opening race at Jerez, necessitating three operations and forcing him to miss the winter tests and the first two races of this season.
Marquez had an encouraging recovery in 2021, winning three races before being ruled out of the final two races this year.
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