Alex Marquez to skip Qatar MotoGP round for shoulder surgery
Spanish rider Alex Marquez will miss this weekend's MotoGP round in Qatar to undergo shoulder surgery in Madrid. Fellow rider Jack Miller has openly objected to racing in Qatar.
Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini Ducati in MotoGP, the world motorcycle road racing championship, has confirmed he will skip this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix. He will instead travel to Madrid for shoulder surgery. The decision affects his participation in the closing rounds of the season, as he plans to return at Portimao and Valencia.
Consequences of the injury
Marquez explained his decision after finishing third in Sunday's race in Malaysia. He said his right shoulder has caused him serious trouble since the heavy crash at the Catalan round in May this year.
The rider said a plate must be removed from his collarbone, but the main problem at present is inflammation. He described it as two operations in one: surgeons will need to clear the inflammation and fluid from the right shoulder. Marquez said he cannot even do chores at home and feels as though he has no muscles.
Although many might link the decision to riders' reluctance to travel to Qatar because of the geopolitical situation, Marquez pointed to the demanding calendar. In his words, racing three such rounds in a row is impossible, and he is already riding with painkillers that are no longer enough.
Miller's objections
Pramac Racing rider Jack Miller criticised MotoGP management's decision to continue preparations for the Qatar round despite objections from most riders. He said 19 riders do not want to go there and that racing there should not happen. The final decision is not yet known.
Miller pointed to possible pressure and sanctions, both financial and sporting, including over licences and against the team. He added that team boss Paolo Campinoti is a good friend and that he does not want to hurt him or the team.
