Yearender 2020: A year to forget for six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez

The Repsol Honda superstar fell off his bike while in the lead at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez in July, retiring from the race, and then failed to start as he attempted a remarkable return at the next event.

The 27-year-old who till then had never previously missed a MotoGP race in his career, has been on sidelines since then undergoing three operations on his arm, but his recovery has remained slow.

Although Marquez decided to rush his comeback, he finally abandoned plans for a 2020 return early in November – when two races of the since-ended campaign remained.

“It’s time to continue with the recovery. Thanks for the messages of support. Looking forward to returning in 2021,” Marquez said in November, when announcing the premature end to his season.

The Spaniard required a third last week as a result of the slow healing of the humerus bone, which had not improved with specific shock wave treatment.

After the completion of surgery he returned home to continue with his specific antibiotic recovery treatment at home.

Though his Repsol Honda Team did not mention the exact recovery time, paddock rumours say it will take upto six months, which possibly rules him out of the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship season opener to be held under lights at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on March 28.