Breaking news: Marc Marquez to miss Argentina MotoGP

In what was expected to be a title-challenging 2022 season for Marquez, has instead turned into another nightmare as the Repsol Honda rider will miss the Argentina MotoGP, the first of two races where he would have started as the clear-cut favourite.

While Marquez’ latest case of diplopia (double vision) is less severe than the one he suffered with towards the end of 2021, it’s still enough to make him miss at least one race for a third consecutive season. 

The Repsol Honda rider, who suffered four crashes during the Indonesian MotoGP weekend, all of which were over 100 mph, was eventually ruled out following the last of those which came during morning warm-up. 

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Marquez was horrifically launched into the air as the rear of his RC213V caught too much traction, which led to the eight-time world champion landing initially on his shoulder, before brutally hitting his head on the concrete.

While no news has been given as to whether Marquez will miss the following round in America, a race in which he won last season, a statement about his absence for Argentina was relayed by the Repsol Honda team: “Marc Marquez visited his ophthalmologist, Dr. Sánchez Dalmau, at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona yesterday, Monday, where he underwent his second medical check-up after the crash in Warm Up for the Indonesian GP a week ago. 

“In this new examination, Dr. Sánchez Dalmau confirmed that Marc Marquez's diplopia shows a notable improvement and reaffirms that the progression of his vision is very favourable. As happened with the last episode of diplopia, Marc Marquez will continue to carry out a conservative treatment regime with regular check-ups.

“The Repsol Honda Team rider will not take part in the next round of the MotoGP World Championship that takes place this weekend in Argentina as he continues his recovery.”

Dr Sanchez Dalmau confirmed the progress himself by saying: “The second neuro-ophthalmological evaluation carried out on Marc Marquez this past Monday has shown a very favourable evolution in the paralysis of the fourth right nerve affected by the fall that occurred at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Recovery is not yet complete, and Marc Marquez must follow the established therapeutic regime with conservative treatment.”

Do Honda need to look outside of Marquez for future success

With Marquez once again showing frailties when it comes to his physical condition, Repsol Honda could soon be put in a position where investing their future into a younger prospect becomes a reality, if it hasn’t already. 

The 59-time MotoGP race winner has clearly shown an ability to fight at the front and even win since his broken arm at Jerez in 2020, however, continuing to miss races is not just a problem for the six-time premier class champion, but also his team and sponsors. 

Joan Mir has already been touted as a potential Honda rider in 2023 should he leave Suzuki, while fellow Spanish riders Raul Fernandez (Tech 3 KTM) and Pedro Acosta (Moto2) are expected to be high up on the team’s shortlist. 

The names mentioned above are all expected to be in play for Repsol Honda, however, it was thought that one of those riders would/could join on the basis of replacing Pol Espargaro. 

But with Marquez unable to keep fit should Honda be looking at replacing him instead of Espargaro? What is for sure, is that the Japanese manufacturer will have tough decisions to make regarding their future. Whatever happens, Honda are likely to keep their star man beyond this season as he is contracted until the end of 2024. 

The 29 year-old will now be re-evaluated by doctors next week as he aims to take part in the American MotoGP. 

Although Marquez could end up missing just one race, it’s another huge blow to his and Honda’s title bids. 

Test rider Stefan Bradl is now expected to replace the Spaniard, while Espargaro takes on team leader duties, not for the first time in his Honda career.