Marc Marquez returns, Ducati stalls: the latest

Ducati will not budge on Marc Marquez’s return to the MotoGP World Championship. The Catalan centaur is recovering from shoulder surgery and will see in the coming days whether he can return for the Mugello Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for late May. Recovery times remain uncertain, and team manager Davide Tardozzi has also been stalling.

“We don’t know yet if Marc will be able to race at Mugello,” he explained on the sidelines of testing in Barcelona. “He will have a checkup this week and, depending on the response, we will evaluate what to do. He has to return to the track in good condition, physically and mentally. So we will evaluate from race to race when is the best time for his return. Right now, only his health and his full recovery count.” The number 93 is 85 points behind world championship leader Marco Bezzecchi in the overall standings.

Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna commented on the Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s complicated weekend, which ended with Fabio Di Giannantonio’s surprise victory: “He showed further maturity, making the most of the restarts after the red flags. It was a complex race, superbly managed , adding to a fast and solid start to the season with consistent results.”

Words for the unfortunate Alex Marquez: “A real shame for Alex Márquez, if we consider only the sporting aspect. Everything was set up for it to be his day, and his weekend in general, after his solid and important win in the Sprint race. He had a great pace and the right determination to beat opponents who, by the way, were tough and fast. Needless to say, we look forward to seeing him back on track.”

On Pecco Bagnaia: “He took third place, which is a real morale boost. Yes, it is always a pleasure, even if it is an unexpected podium, achieved in a bold way.”