The MotoGP world is holding its breath: Will Marc Marquez make a miraculous return for the Valencia finale? After a devastating crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix that left him with a complex right shoulder injury, the seven-time world champion's season hangs in the balance. Ducati, while 'hopeful,' is playing it safe, emphasizing that they won't 'rush' his recovery. This decision comes after he initially tried to avoid surgery, but had to reverse course.
Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi has publicly stated the team's desire to see Marquez back on the track in Valencia. But here's where it gets controversial... While a return to racing would be a massive boost for Ducati and fans alike, the Italian manufacturer is prioritizing Marquez's long-term health, especially considering his previous experiences with premature returns from injuries. This cautious approach is understandable, given the severity of the injury and the potential for further complications if rushed.
"The injury is quite bad," Tardozzi told TNT Sport, confirming Marquez's absence from the upcoming Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix. The Portuguese Grand Prix is also looking increasingly unlikely. He elaborated that they are "hoping that he will be back for Valencia, but so far we have to wait [to see] what will be [shown in] the new scan and what the doctors will say to him in two weeks." This highlights the uncertainty surrounding Marquez's condition and the dependence on medical assessments.
And this is the part most people miss... While Ducati is publicly expressing optimism, they are also very careful to temper expectations, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the doctors and Marquez himself. Tardozzi stressed the importance of avoiding a repeat of past mistakes, where Marquez returned to racing too soon and suffered setbacks. "We don’t want to be in a rush. He suffered a lot in the past by coming back too early, too soon, to race. So, we want to take the time that is necessary to heal from the surgery he had last week."
Medical experts have suggested that this type of shoulder injury could require up to 16 weeks to fully heal. This timeline casts doubt on Marquez's chances of racing in Valencia, which takes place in mid-November. However, the exact recovery period will depend on individual factors and the success of his rehabilitation. Ducati is keenly aware of the risks involved in pushing Marquez to return before he is fully fit. They will carefully monitor his progress and consult with medical professionals to make the best decision for his long-term health and career.
In other news, Marco Bezzecchi, the Aprilia rider involved in the crash with Marquez, will serve a double long lap penalty in the Australian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will replace Marquez in both the Australian and Malaysian races, providing valuable track time and data for the team.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Marquez will race in Valencia rests on his recovery and the advice of his doctors. Ducati's cautious approach reflects a commitment to his long-term well-being, even if it means missing out on his presence at the season finale. But is this overly cautious? Some might argue that a champion like Marquez should be given every opportunity to compete, even if it means taking some risks. What do you think? Should Ducati prioritize Marquez's long-term health above all else, or should they allow him to make the final call, even if it means potentially jeopardizing his recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
