Marc Márquez sees Nadal as a reference and reveals: "My current feeling is one of hope

Marc Márquez revealed that he has a sense of hope a little more than 20 days after the fourth surgery on his right arm. In a letter addressed to his fans, the Honda rider explained the whole process that led to the operation of the last day 6, told that in addition to Alberto Puig, team boss and Mick Doohan, he also counts on the support of Alex Crivill.In a letter to his fans, the Honda rider explained the whole process leading up to the operation on the 6th, told that besides Alberto Puig, team boss, and Mick Doohan, he also has the support of Alex Crivillè and explained that he sees Rafael Nadal as a reference in the recovery process.

Marc stepped away from MotoGP after the Italian GP to undergo a fourth surgery still in the wake of the fracture he suffered at the Spanish GP in the 2020 season opener. This time, doctors needed to correct a rotation of more than 30° in the bone. Unlike previous interventions, this time the procedure was done in the United States, at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

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On the 18th, Marc underwent a medical check-up in Madrid, and the doctors were satisfied with the progress of his recovery. The rider, however, still has no date to return to the World Motorcycle Championship, although Honda hopes to count on him still in this year's tests.

"I have received many messages of encouragement from you, the fans, and they are very much appreciated, especially at a time like this. I want you to know how my recovery is going," Marc wrote in a Repsol blog.

Marc said that the idea of further surgery came up as recently as last year, but he tried to rely on mental strength to avoid the intervention.

"The idea that I might need another surgery was there since September last year. We were checking my arm periodically to see how the fracture was progressing after the third surgery. When the preseason came, I wanted to convince myself that I would make it, with the phrase that 'the power is in the mind' as my motto. But when the season started, I realized that my limitations were too great," he reported. "My idea was to compete the whole season - since the bone was not 100% consolidated from the third operation - even though I knew my limitations and hid the discomfort to avoid daily questions. Only those close to me knew about the situation," he recounted.

"The decisive moment came around the French GP, when everything was ready for a 3D CT scan. We made the decision to have a new operation," he explained. "Having the surgery in the United States surprised me a lot, because of the way they planned the pre-operative and post-operative periods. It is very different from Spain. The post-operative period was very fast, I was discharged immediately, I was allowed to fly, and I could go home. The preparation, on the other hand, was very well planned and everything was done well in advance," he compared.

The Spaniard from Cervera said that he felt pain during the post-operative period, something that did not scare him because of his experience with previous surgeries. Now, however, there is no discomfort.

"Before the operation I was in a very good mood, but in the following hours I was worse, because of the anesthesia and because of the pain. I had a bad time for two or three days, but since it was not the first time my arm was operated on, I already knew how it would be, I knew that the pain was normal and would subside afterwards," he recalled. "Now I feel very good, because I don't feel pain. My arm is still immobilized and I am doing light passive movements. I feel motivated because it feels good and I am excited to start the recovery as soon as the doctors release me, to see if my arm works as it should," he continued.

Álex's brother revealed that he feels hopeful now, as before the surgery he did not think he would be able to continue competing for much longer, but now he is confident that he will be able to return to his old form.

"My current feeling is one of hope. Because of the way I was riding and competing, I couldn't see myself on the bike for much longer - maybe another year or two. After the intervention in Rochester, the hope is that I can continue to compete without pain and have fun on the bike," he vented. "I am waiting to have an x-ray in week six. Depending on the result of this x-ray, we will choose the path of recovery. Until then, I'm enjoying a little vacation, because I can't start the recovery 100% yet," he commented.

The wait, however, has not been in front of the TV. Márquez is already active, working on the other parts of his body.

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"At the moment, although it seems like I have a lot of free time, I plan each day well. I get up early and go for a 1:30min walk. Then I try to keep myself busy with calls with the team, my family, or things around the house. In the afternoon I start working gently with my lower body and a little bit with my left arm," he says.

Despite everything he's been through in the last two years, Marc says he still has the same motivation as before, and his goal is to have fun on the RC213V again.

"Sometimes I stop to think about motivation and, in my case, the only conclusion I come to is that mine comes from passion and enthusiasm. It is still the same as it has been for the last ten years. This also makes me think about the goal, which is to have fun and compete at a good level, without pain or suffering," he said.

The six-time MotoGP champion was also grateful for the support he has received not only from boss Alberto Puig, but also from Alex Crivillè and Mick Doohan, who have also suffered injuries during their careers.

"I have to say that I am not alone on this road to recovery. I have had the support of riders like Alex Crivillè, who has gone through something similar; Alberto Puig, who is the person I have the most contact with, because he is also the Repsol Honda boss; and also with Mick Doohan, because he has had several serious injuries. They are the people who advised me the most and I thank them for their support," he declared.

In addition, Marc cited the example of Rafael Nadal, who continues to struggle with injuries to remain active in tennis. Earlier this month, the Spanish tennis player won the 14th title of his career at Roland Garros, but revealed that he played the tournament in Paris with his foot numb because of Müller-Weiss Syndrome.

"I also have a reference point in Rafa Nadal, that even when people think he is finished, he was able to overcome the pain and win again," he recalled. "I was with him at the Madrid Masters 1000. I know everything he suffered and that is why he is a reference point for me, because even though he is not at his best, he is capable of winning tournaments like Roland Garros. I remember that in the press conference he admitted that pain changed his personality, and I understand this," he quoted.

"Before I say goodbye, I want to thank you once again for the support I receive from all of you. I promise that I will do everything I can to compete again and to have a good time together," he closed.

MotoGP is now on vacation and will resume on August 7 with the British GP at Silverstone.GRANDE PRÊMIO is following all the activities of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.