Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is taking the final steps in his recovery as he returns to the saddle of a motorbike in a private test.
The Ducati rider is taking part in a private test in Valencia at the Aspar Circuit on Thursday and Friday. Riding a Panigale V2 street bike, it is the first outing he will have at a race track since his crash in Indonesia.
After winning the 2025 MotoGP championship at Motegi, Marquez crashed with Marco Bezzecchi in Mandalika, leaving him with ligament fractures in his right shoulder.
Initially, it was thought that surgery would not be necessary, but such a measure was undertaken, and the Spaniard opted to sit out the rest of the season. After a long winter period, where Marquez had cancelled his ‘holidays’ to focus on his recovery, he is nearing full fitness.
Marc Marquez could have a World Superbikes test with Nicolo Bulega after returning from injury
As per a report from Motorsport.com, the Ducati Panigale V2 will be set up to give Marquez ‘maximum feedback’ in Valencia. Brother Alex Marquez and another unnamed rider will take part in the test.
Ducati chief Davide Tardozzi, as well as several Ducati engineers, will also be in attendance, highlighting the importance of this outing. The team will want Marquez to provide feedback, but above all, they will want him to have no setbacks.
Following the test in Valencia, should he deem it necessary, Marquez could have the opportunity to conduct a World Superbikes test at the end of the month. Ducati’s team, spearheaded by Nicolo Bulega, have organised a session at Portimao.
The test is ‘open to all MotoGP riders’ from Ducati, who can ride the Panigale V4S in Portugal. Should Marquez feel he needs more mileage before pre-season testing, he could join Bulega in a WSBK outing before MotoGP returns to action.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
How will Marc Marquez be affected by his 2025 injury?
Marquez’s private tests suggest that he is close to returning to a MotoGP bike. But the big question many will be asking is how his injury will affect him in 2026.
The 32-year-old has a history of serious injury, with his 2020 accident at Jerez leading to multiple setbacks and near retirement. Jorge Lorenzo thinks Marquez will ‘lose something’ when he returns.
However, Luigi Dall’Igna does not think Marquez’s injury will affect him when he was asked if his star rider would be the favourite for the title in 2026. The Ducati chief believes he will go on undeterred once he is back on a MotoGP bike.
The aim is to return by pre-season testing at Sepang, but Marquez has not confirmed his attendance. These private outings will be the deciding factor as to whether he will be fit enough to ride the GP26.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
