Alex Marquez has undergone successful surgery on his right shoulder, an injury that has severely hampered his performance since a high-impact crash at the Barcelona Grand Prix in May. The Gresini Honda rider, fresh off a podium finish at the Malaysian GP, revealed he brought forward an operation initially planned for the end of the year to address persistent pain and stiffness that escalated into bursitis.
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How the injury began
Marquez’s ordeal began on 17 May when a collision with Pedro Acosta’s KTM sent him airborne, resulting in a fracture of his right collarbone into four pieces. Emergency surgery immediately followed to stabilise the injury.
The Spanish rider’s return to racing at Assen in late June was marred by increasing discomfort. The shoulder stiffness and pain worsened during back-to-back races, forcing him to rely on painkillers just to compete.
Surgery at Madrid’s Ruber Internacional Hospital
In a detailed social media statement, Marquez explained the scope of his recent surgery at Madrid’s Ruber Internacional Hospital: “Yesterday, I underwent surgery to remove osteosynthesis material from my right collarbone and left hand. Additionally, I had an arthroscopic bursectomy on my right shoulder.”
He elaborated on the procedure, clarifying that “they removed the plates and fixation elements from my collarbone and hand, and took out a small sac in the shoulder that prevents friction between tendons and the joint, using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique.”
The Spaniard confirmed the operation went smoothly, expressing optimism about his recovery: “The surgery went without any complications. Now my recovery at home begins—one more step towards getting back to 100%!” His absence from the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix is certain. He aims to return for the Portuguese round on 22 November, with the season finale in Valencia set for 29 November.
Gresini lineup and Qatar grid in doubt
Marquez is focused on regaining full fitness for the post-season test in Valencia on 1 December, where he will debut KTM’s new 850cc machine as he transitions to the factory KTM team next year. His recovery timeline adds uncertainty to Gresini’s lineup in Qatar, especially with fellow riders Jorge Martin, Raul Fernandez, and Fermin Aldeguer also facing fitness doubts. Should Aldeguer be sidelined, Gresini risks fielding no full-time riders in Qatar, although wildcard Iker Lecuona remains an option.
The Qatar GP grid faces further depletion as prominent names like Yamaha’s Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo, and Pramac Ducati’s Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlioglu, will also be absent. Razgatlioglu’s injury and Yamaha’s refusal to send teams to Doha amid regional tensions have shaken the race’s competitive landscape. Honda has yet to rule out Joan Mir, who struggles with vision problems and dizziness following Sepang.
Alex Marquez’s surgery and ongoing recovery spotlight the brutal physical toll of MotoGP racing and underline the relentless challenges riders endure to compete at the highest level. His commitment to returning stronger and adapting to a new factory KTM ride underscores his determination to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.
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