Factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez will be absent from the next two MotoGP races in Australia and Malaysia after medical examinations in Madrid revealed the severity of injuries sustained during his crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix. The Marquez MotoGP race absence comes as a precaution while his shoulder injury heals according to the team’s conservative treatment plan.
Details of Marquez’s Injuries and Medical Assessment
Marquez suffered a fracture at the base of the coracoid process and a ligament injury in his right shoulder after colliding with Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia. Subsequent thorough medical tests ruled out a connection to his previous injuries and confirmed there was no major bone displacement. The medical team at Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, led by Dr. Samuel Antuña and Dr. Ignacio Roger de Oña, opted for rest and immobilization rather than surgery at this time.
Planned Recovery and Absence from Remaining Races
The treatment approach focuses on allowing Marquez’s shoulder to heal fully, which means he will miss the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for October 19 and the Malaysian Grand Prix on October 26. Marquez’s condition will be monitored with weekly check-ups to evaluate his progress and readiness to return. Only two rounds lie ahead after these events: the Portuguese Grand Prix on November 9 and the Valencia season finale on November 16.
Impact on Championship and Marquez’s Outlook
Marquez secured his ninth world title and seventh MotoGP crown only recently at the Japanese Grand Prix. This achievement means his absence from the upcoming races will not affect the overall championship results for this season. Reflecting on his injury, Marquez expressed cautious optimism:
“Fortunately, the injury isn’t severe, but it’s important to respect the recovery timeline,”
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
“My goal is to be back before the end of the season, but without rushing things beyond the doctors’ recommendations. Both my personal and the team’s main goals have been achieved, so now the priority is to recover properly and return at 100%.”
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
Incident That Led to the Injury
Marquez qualified ninth on the grid for the Indonesian Grand Prix, but his race ended prematurely after seven laps when Marco Bezzecchi misjudged his braking and collided with the back of Marquez’s Ducati. Both riders were forced off the track into the gravel trap. Initial scans at the circuit noted the shoulder fracture, prompting Ducati to arrange immediate transportation back to Spain for comprehensive medical evaluation.
Team Decisions and Future Steps for Marquez
Ducati confirmed no replacement rider has been appointed for Marquez at the upcoming Phillip Island and Sepang circuits. Weekly medical reviews will dictate the timeline for his return. The team’s priority remains ensuring Marquez’s full recovery without risking further injury, especially given his history of multiple arm surgeries following his 2020 Jerez crash.
Significance of Marquez’s Absence Amid Season Finale
Marquez’s absence creates uncertainty for Ducati at a critical point in the season, but his already secured championship reduces immediate competitive pressure. His recovery will influence how the final two rounds unfold and whether he can make a strong comeback for the closing races in Portugal and Valencia. The cautious approach reflects an awareness of his prior injuries and the need to safeguard his long-term racing career.
