Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has undergone a surprise surgery to stabilise the injury he sustained in a crash at Mandalika.
Marquez collided with Marco Bezzecchi on the opening lap of the Indonesian GP. The latter tried to make up ground after a poor start from pole position, but judged an overtake at turn seven completely wrong and wiped out the 2025 champion.
Both riders were sent into the gravel trap, with Marquez suffering fractured ligaments in his right collarbone. It was previously thought that surgery was not required, but after further checks in Madrid, the Spaniard went under the knife.
Ducati confirmed that the operation was a success and that the 32-year-old is already at home, beginning his recovery process. Test rider Michele Pirro will replace Marquez at Phillip Island, but it has not been made clear whether he will stand in at Sepang as well.
Fans have told Marquez not to rush back, having suffered from numerous setbacks after he returned too soon from his crash at Jerez in 2020. He can afford to miss the rest of 2025 with the title wrapped up and can look ahead to 2026.
Marc Marquez’s doctor predicts he could be out for 16 weeks to make a ‘full recovery’ from Mandalika crash
Marquez’s fractured collarbone is a far more complicated injury and could require a lengthy spell on the sidelines. According to his doctor, he could face up to ’16 weeks’ out for recovery.
Dr. Pedro Luis Ripoll told Marca: “It’s an injury with a good prognosis and whose recovery period can be around 16 weeks. If there’s some kind of associated fracture, it’s treated within the same surgical timeframe.
“Acromioclavicular dislocation is an injury characterised by the loss of joint congruity between the acromion and the clavicle. Depending on the degree of displacement of the clavicle, which always moves upwards, we can apply orthopaedic or conservative treatments.
“In a high-level sports person, such as Marc Márquez, the technique of choice is arthroscopic, which reduces the dislocation that exists between the clavicle and the acromion.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Where would that timeline see Marc Marquez return to MotoGP?
Assuming that the 16-week recovery time is accurate, that would put Marquez out of action until the week of the Sepang test for the 2026 season.
The Ducati rider would miss the shakedown the week before, but would return in time for the official test. Of course, this is dependent on Marquez’s rehabilitation and whether he aggravates the injury in any way.
Davide Tardozzi told Marquez to focus on 2026 during winter testing. This injury allows him to do just that, as he is in no position to rush back in 2025 with the championship already won.
He will be looking to return even stronger in 2026 and defend his crown. Marquez could grab his 10th motorcycle Grand Prix title next year and equal Giacomo Agostini’s all-time premier class record.
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