Marc Marquez undergoes crucial surgery, MotoGP return unclear

Marc Marquez has undergone surgery on his fractured arm as Repsol Honda confirmed he has avoided the potentially critical complication of radial nerve damage.

The six-time MotoGP champion fell heavily in the closing stages of the Spanish MotoGP in Jerez as he was scything his way back up the order from an earlier mistake.

Taking a glancing blow by the Repsol Honda as he spiralled through the gravel trap, the impact caused a fracture to the arm that needed to be stabilised on Monday before it could be operated on in Barcelona today.

The operation performed by Dr Xavier Mir in collaboration with Dr Barrera saw an open reduction and internal fixation of a titanium plate to the right humerus. Crucially, the radial nerve – which could have resulted in a longer lasting legacy – was untouched and does not need intervention.

He will spend 48 hours in hospital for observation

“Everyone who races in the World Championship has the unfortunate possibility of getting injured and having to go to the operating room,” said Alberto Puig. “Unfortunately, it was our turn and it was Marc who has had to undergo surgery. Marc will take some time to recover but we are happy with how everything has gone. 

“Doctor Mir and his team have taken care of the entire situation since the fall and performed a successful operation. This gives the Repsol Honda Team a lot of motivation, knowing it went well, but now we have to be patient to see how Marc recovers and to understand when he can return. 

“This weekend we will be focused on Álex, helping him to take another step forward. When you are young and new in a category, every week you improve and grow. We hope he can close the gap to the front of the race."

For now it is unclear when Marquez can expect to be back on the Honda, though the team has confirmed it will focus solely on Alex Marquez for this weekend’s Andalusian MotoGP.

In addition, Cal Crutchlow went under the knife to have a pin inserted into a damaged scaphoid bone but is expected to be fit to race this weekend.