After the two operations, the Ducati Spaniard returned to racing at Mugello. How did it really go? “I gave my all as long as I could, I sold my life dearly. But I don’t know the times for full physical recovery. Mentally, however, I’m ready”
Another piece of history is the one written by MotoGP in the Italian GP at Mugello: a Marco Bezzecchi to be framed, a dominant Aprilia, a rediscovered and convincing Pecco Bagnaia and other high-level Italian protagonists, starting with Fabio Di Giannantonio. Then there was Marc Marquez’s return to racing, just 19 days after the double operation on his right shoulder and fifth metatarsal. The Spaniard finished in seventh place, after fifth in the Sprint on Saturday, but the result only tells part of his Sunday. What really matters, for the champion from Cervera, is having once again demonstrated his extraordinary mental strength, the ability to get up and start again, getting back into the game as a protagonist. But how did this return really go?
brave
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“Brave to return to Mugello. I didn’t have fun, but it’s part of the journey. I’m selling my life dearly. With eight laps to go I didn’t have any left. The decision to return to Mugello was painful, but I’d say that the test was passed with flying colors. I also showed flashes of speed and in the race I decided to give my all and lower the pace little by little.” Speaking to microphones and notebooks, the Spaniard said he was satisfied, but without triumphalism, trailing the winner Bezzecchi by just over ten seconds. Mugello represented a fundamental stage for the Spanish champion, who returned to the track after the forced stop and was eager to regain rhythm and confidence in the saddle. Already with fourth place in qualifying and fifth in Saturday’s Sprint Race, Marquez had sent encouraging signs upon his return from the double operation on his shoulder and foot on May 10th. Yesterday, over a double distance and on one of the most challenging tracks on the calendar, the number 93 confirmed all his determination and resilience, gaining 14 precious points for the ranking.
the physical response
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Of course, with 102 points to make up to the leader Bezzecchi, the defense of the world title today appears to be a real chimera. Even for a champion of the caliber of Marc Marquez. Especially in light of the extraordinary level of competitiveness shown once again by Aprilia on the ups and downs of the Tuscan circuit. After all, during the Mugello weekend, the main objective of the reigning world champion was to race against the clock. Even more than the result, it was important to verify the physical response on a particularly demanding track, characterized by violent braking, high-speed corners and sudden changes in direction that require enormous arm work and continuous pressure on the footrests. From this point of view, there was no shortage of positive signs, even in the context of a physical condition that is still far from optimal. “After the Sprint I was able to write down the notes, while in the last races my hands were shaking”, said Marquez, underlining how the nerves are progressively returning to a normal condition, despite the seventh operation on his right upper limb.
the future
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Even though the acute pain has now disappeared, Marc clarifies that the journey still remains long: “Riding in these conditions is not satisfying, it’s a real job. But I do it to get competitive again and to have fun again in the future. Now ice, ice and more ice for the next two days, to recover as best as possible and try to push my arm to the limit again in Hungary.” Marc then added how it is essential not only to take care of the body, but also to have the right mentality to rebuild, accepting one’s limits and arming oneself with great patience to return to working on the future. “I don’t know what my 100% is and when it will be,” he admitted. “I don’t know if it will take two weeks, two months or even longer to achieve it. The most important thing is that mentally I’m ready and I want to try to get back to my best level. Because, if you’re not mentally ready, it’s better to give up. I’m ready and I’ll try.” Simple but eloquent words, which perfectly summarize the physical and mental challenge that Marc Marquez is facing in an attempt to return to the top of MotoGP.
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