The winter of 2018-19 has been a difficult one for reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Accustomed to using December and January to train dirt-track or motocross, the reigning World Champion was unable to do so this time around due to a shoulder operation. The seven-time World Champion did get back on a bike this week though, and the Repsol Honda Team are able to offer the first exclusive images.

On November 29th he dismounted his Honda RC213V in Jerez after finishing the second 2019 preseason test, the final stint of 2018. On December 4th he underwent surgery to fix a recurring injury to his left shoulder. Since then, Marquez has focused all his efforts on recovering from the procedure. Two months later, he rode at the Circuit d’Alcarràs in Lleida, ahead of the first official test of 2019 on Wednesday, February 6th in Sepang.

Marquez: “It was my first time back on a bike. Riders in general need to have a calm conscience and during the flight to Malaysia, which is around 14 hours, I will know that at least I have ridden a bike again. We’ve done a few laps that have helped me to see where it hurts a little more, and that way I can work with the physio in this week that we have left before the test. It went a bit like I expected. I lack strength on the brakes, especially on left-hand corners, when I have to use my shoulder for support, and that is where we have to continue pushing to improve. Now we will be patient in Malaysia, to reach March at full strength.”

Marquez will now continue to fight to be as fit as possible for the Sepang Test. Keep up to date with it all on motogp.com as we offer you reports, reactions, interviews, highlights and After the Flag episodes after each day.