What Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez could have done with after the Austrian GP was almost two weeks rest; but the MotoGP returns less than one week later in Brno for the eleventh round of the season meaning he has had no time to increase his fitness after last week’s incident.

Dislocated shoulder for Marquez in Austria

During FP3 of the NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Osterreich, Marquez crashed and, narrowly avoiding his teammate Dani Pedrosa, ended up falling in the gravel trap where he dislocated his shoulder; an injury that he has struggled with in the past.

Now the season that Marquez did initially damage his shoulder was the season he went on to win the MotoGP championship… I will just leave that thought there.

Marquez crashed during FP3 dislocating his shoulder - www.motorsport.com
Marquez crashed during FP3 dislocating his shoulder - www.motorsport.com

Spaniard given the all clear

After relocating his shoulder, and visiting the Clinica Mobile, he and the Doctor thought it would be best that he should continue to hospital to have it checked before returning to the track. He did just that, and after being flown via helicopter he was back in time for FP4 with the ‘all clear’ and went on to qualify fifth on the grid.

Starting from the second row the Spaniard looked to be on the attack in the early stages of the race, but he soon found himself in fifth position where he remained fending off Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Vinales.

Important result for Marquez considering circumstances

He finished the first Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring in 19 years in fifth, and Movistar Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi were unable to close the gap between them and the Spaniard in the championship.

The race and circuit (during testing) was dominated by the factory Ducati Team who claimed first and second when Andrea Iannone won ahead of his teammate Andrea Dovizioso.

Consecutive races for the MotoGP

The eleventh round of the MotoGP takes place this weekend on familiar ground at the Automotodrom Brno in Czech Republic. After qualifying second on the grid Marquez also finished the race in second, four seconds behind Lorenzo and ahead of Rossi.

At the pre-race press conference Marquez confirmed that his shoulder is “not 100%” but did declare that “it’s fixed” and that it “won’t be a problem for this weekend”. He is hoping that if he continues to “work well in the gym the shoulder will be fixed” but then said “who knows in the future”.

Marquez fifth at the Red Bull Ring - www.motorsport.com
Marquez fifth at the Red Bull Ring - www.motorsport.com

Marquez positive about Brno GP

Comparing the Automotodrom Brno to the Red Bull Ring he said, “It looks like Brno will be a better circuit for us.” Reflecting on the tenth round in Austria he felt his result was an “important fifth” as it meant that Lorenzo was only able to take five points, and Rossi two.

Despite “struggling” at the Red Bull Ring he thought they “could have lost a lot of points”. At Brno he hopes to “try and fight for the victory”, however he said, “If it’s not possible to win just try and not lose too many points to the Yamaha riders.

Marquez is heading into the eleventh round of the season with 181 points; he has a 43 points lead over second place Lorenzo.

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About the author
Danielle Overend
Passionate about everything motorcycles and Moto GP!