Alex Márquez Returns to MotoGP with Cautious Withdrawal at Brno

Alex Márquez has withdrawn from the Czech Grand Prix after a cautious comeback at Brno, where he qualified 14th.

The Gresini Ducati rider returned to action after a horrendous accident at the Catalan Grand Prix, which left him with fractures to his neck and collarbone.

Alex Márquez staged his comeback this weekend at Brno, impressing with a 14th place in qualifying on Saturday.

He elected to withdraw from the remainder of the weekend shortly after, citing a need to avoid unnecessary risk.

Alex Márquez explained that his decision to withdraw was not down to his physical condition, but rather to avoid risk, as advised by his doctors.

He said: “It’s not that I stopped because I am unfit; it was just to avoid risk.”

The main point of returning at Brno was to remove any doubts in Alex Márquez's mind following his crash, which made this weekend “so important for me”.

He added: “I was riding in a good way, in smooth way again, but I was missing a few points for the physical limitations.”

Alex Márquez feels stiff and tired, especially in the neck and shoulders, which still need to improve a lot.

He completed 50 laps during Friday and Saturday morning to try to be at 100% as soon as possible.

Alex Márquez will now try to recover over the next five days and aim to complete the whole weekend at Assen.

He expressed satisfaction with his progress, saying: “For me, that’s job done, I was much faster than what I expected.”

The Czech Grand Prix withdrawal may be a setback, but Alex Márquez is focused on his recovery and return to full fitness