The first metacarpal of his right hand has finally healed and Marc Marquez can return to the track at the weekend, for the French GP. After missing three out of four races of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship due to the crash in Portugal, the Honda Spaniard took all the time necessary for a complete recovery. Three different medical teams gave the ok, opening the doors to Le Mans, a circuit where he has already won four times (three in the maximum displacement and one in Moto2). Marquez will not have to serve the double long lap penalty imposed on him in Portugal because the MotoGP Court of Appeal considered the non-participation in the race in Argentina sufficient.
One more opponent for the world championship leader, Francesco Bagnaia, and the Ducati team that has won the last three editions on the track located in the Sarthe region. The first bears the signature of Danilo Petrucci, who this weekend will return to the saddle of the Desmosedici to replace the still injured Enea Bastianini. In 2021 it was Jack Miller who brought the Red to the top step of the podium, while Bastianini last year obtained his third success of the season. "Le Mans is a track that I really like - said the reigning world champion from Piedmont - and where last year I was fighting for the victory, before the crash. This year, however, lower temperatures are expected and rain is expected all weekend. It will be a tricky weekend and it will be important to stay focused."
Fabio Quartararo, only tenth at Jerez with Yamaha: "I can't wait for a rematch at Le Mans. It's my home GP, so I'll be able to hear the cheering of the fans. I want to keep a positive mindset, do my best and hopefully get some good results."
The Aprilia riders will also have to deal with the bizarre weather. "In Jerez we showed what our speed is, but we know what prevents us from making the most of it in the race," said Aleix Espargaro. Le Mans is on a very special and difficult circuit but I'm sure we can be among the best there too. Aprilia is working hard to continue to grow the RS-GP. You don't need big things, the bike is already going very well, it's about small details in the right areas." "The level is so high - is the opinion of Maverick Vinales - that you just have to start a row forward or backward to make a completely different race".