Cuethe Jaws music…

It’s a crazy thing to say, but Marc Marquez is one of the old guys of MotoGP. Now 29, only five riders on the grid are older than him, and this is, technically, the Spaniard’s 10th season in the premier class. Of course, he only managed half a race at Jerez in 2020.

And 2022 will be Marquez’s second coming. There’s reason to be scared of him once again following the two years of hell that he’s been through. It began with a broken arm which led to complications, and ended with a second case of double vision after a training accident towards the end of 2021. In-between there was a heroic comeback and three wins, but almost losing everything again must have hit hard.

Marquez has had it tough. He nearly had to call it a day. Doctors telling him after surgery that it was a miracle his eyesight recovered. But that’s now in the past. He is ready to rumble and will be more determined than ever to return to the top step.

Without him MotoGP has been more unpredictable, and riders have improved. But where do they sit against a 100% fit Marc Marquez? Fabio Quartararo and Joan Mir will absolutely not want to be beaten by him, and want to prove their titles are no fluke.

Marquez still isn’t at 100%; he suffered with fatigue in testing at Malaysia and opted against a time attack in Mandalika due to shoulder pain. Once his quick-fire reactions and stamina return, his MotoGP rivals could be in serious trouble.

What about all of the crashing and the unstable Honda? Well, it looks like the

Japanese giants have taken an almighty step forward with what is essentially a brandnew RC213V. New aero, new exhaust and an engine form the tip of the iceberg for a bike that has been designed to suit all HRC riders, but looks likely to be even better for Marquez.

It’s more rideable through the corners, whilst rear grip is stronger on the corner exit. It appears Honda riders no longer have to be on the very limit. Marquez will need to adapt slightly, but he has the know-how to do so.

There’s so much anticipation surrounding his return. Marquez’s rivals are the strongest they’ve ever been, their confidence is high, and their bikes have improved, especially at Ducati. Will the age-old saying come true again: The only person who can beat Marc Marquez is Marc Marquez? Time will tell.

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MARC MARQUEZ

REPSOL HONDA