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2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship
2021 Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar
Losail International Circuit
Lusail, Qatar
Sunday, 28 March 2021
Six-time world champion Marc Marquez will miss the opening two races of the
2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship season.
Image copyright: Getty Images
On Monday, Repsol Honda said that the 28-year-old will not compete in back-to-back races in Qatar, including this weekend's Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar in Lusail as he continues to recover from an arm injury.
Marquez fractured his humerus in the opening race of the 2020 season hosted in Jerez last year and didn't race again since. The Spaniard has undergone three surgeries and will undergo another medical check on April 12, in anticipation of making his long-awaited return at Grande Prémio de Portugal next month.
Image copyright: Getty Images
"After the last review with the medical team, the doctors have advised me that the most prudent thing was not to take part in the Qatar Grand Prix and to continue with the recovery plan that we have followed in recent weeks," Marquez said.
"I would have loved to be able to participate in the opening race of the world championship, but we will have to continue working to be able to recover the optimal conditions that allow us to return to competition."
Marquez has downplayed his chances of wrestling the world championship back from fellow countryman Joan Mir this season, stating: "The objective is to get on a motorbike, have fun again and from there find a good level and fight for podiums and victories. How long will that take? I don't know."
Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar, past five winners:
2020 - N/A (cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns)
2019 - Andrea Dovizioso
2018 - Andrea Dovizioso
2017 - Maverick Viñales
2016 - Jorge Lorenzo
2015 - Valentino Rossi
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