Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is looking at a stint on the sidelines following his brutal crash during the Le Mans Sprint race, leading former MotoGP team boss Livio Suppo to hope that the Ducati star can return to full form ‘for the sake of the sport’.
Given his track record with returning to action at the earliest opportunity, Marc Marquez has been tipped by several figures inside the MotoGP paddock to be back on his bike for the upcoming Catalan Grand Prix.
Ducati’s confirmation that they won’t field a replacement in Barcelona has only fuelled rumours of an immediate return. However, Marquez has also been advised not to cut corners in his recovery to ensure he is at peak fitness by the time he does come back.
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Saying that, there have been some concerns over Marquez choosing not to return at all, and simply calling it a day following yet another injury setback.
His accident at Le Mans was arguably his most violent highside since the start of his first injury nightmare in 2020. It marked a hellish period for the Spaniard, which culminated in his clinching of the title last year.
- READ MORE: Luigi Dall’Igna saw Marc Marquez do something ‘extraordinary’ before he withdrew from the French GP
Livio Suppo hopes Marc Marquez can return to full form ‘for the sake’ of MotoGP
During a recent interview with Motosprint, pundit Livio Suppo offered his thoughts on the road to recovery that Marquez is currently facing.
He began by highlighting the reigning world champion’s stoic attitude when it comes to competing, saying, ” He’s someone who rarely complains, especially about his physical condition.
“He went through four years of hell, winning races with an arm that was out of action, but he never complained. In my opinion, he’s not complaining now, but that shoulder isn’t fully healed yet.”
After assessing the rest of the crop of riders under Ducati’s umbrella, Suppo then delivered a verdict on Marquez’s title hopes upon returning to the sport.
How many more crashes can Marc Marquez take after his violent highside in the Le Mans Sprint? 🫣
The Italian added, “I see a Marquez who’s been through four years of hell, dominated a world championship, and got injured again. It wasn’t his fault; it’s clear the bike isn’t quite right yet, but I mean, he needs to get back on track afterwards.
“It’s tough, so let’s give him time; the championship is still a long way off, and I hope, for the sake of the spectacle and the sport, that he can come back.
“I’m not saying to the levels of last year because those were truly monstrous, but at least be competitive on all tracks, as he knows how to do.”
MotoGP would lose an integral figure on the grid if Marc Marquez retires
If Marquez were to call time on his career in the premier class, the sport would no doubt lose one of its most significant members of the grid.
As Valentino Rossi did during his tenure in MotoGP, Marquez is currently the only rider who transcends the paddock. Of course, there are plenty of other world champions on the grid, but none of them are global brands like the Spaniard.
Following his crash at the Spanish Grand Prix, it was reported that ‘so many’ MotoGP fans left the grandstands, which is a clear indication of how keen fans are to see his talents on the race track.
While things may be a lot more competitive in Marquez’s absence, it will be truly difficult for the sport to fill the void of such a big figure.
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