MotoGP: Marc Marquez to miss Spanish GP as hand injury not yet recovered - 'Decided not to take any risks'

ByRob Hemingway

Published 26/04/2023 at 16:06 GMT+1

It will be a third consecutive MotoGP race that Marc Marquez misses when he sits out his home Spanish GP in Jerez this weekend. The 30-year-old crashed out at the season-opening race in Portugal, and has still not sufficiently recovered from the hand injury he sustained. "We decided not to take any risks, to wait two more weeks and return in Le Mans," Marquez said in a statement.

Marc Marquez will miss the Spanish GP as his hand injury has not yet recovered, with the six-time MotoGP champion eyeing a return at the French GP on May 14 instead.

Marquez crashed into Miguel Oliveira in the first race of the season in Portimao on March 26, and the fracture he sustained - for which he had surgery - has not recovered in time.

The 30-year-old - a six-time MotoGP champion - also missed the recent races in Argentina and the United States.

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In a statement, Marquez wrote: “Yesterday [Tuesday] 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.

“Together with the medical team, we decided not to take any risks, to wait two more weeks and return in Le Mans (for the French GP).

“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.

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“I will continue with the rehabilitation and work to be back as soon as possible. Thank you for your messages of support!”

Marquez is set to be replaced in the race by Iker Lecuona (Honda).

Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team crashed out with Miguel Oliveira of Portugal and Cryptodata RNF MotoGP Team during the MotoGP race during the MotoGP Of Portugal - Race at Autodromo do Algarve on March 26, 2023 in Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal.

Image credit: Getty Images

The current MotoGP standings are dominated by Italy, with Marco Bezzecchi first and Francesco Bagnaia second.

Bezzecchi has one win and two podiums so far this term, and leads the way with 64 points to Bagnaia's 53.

Marquez's compatriot Alex Rins won the most recent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas, and sits third overall in the rider classification.

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