Andrea Dovizioso Believes Marc Marquez Still Has A Great Opportunity To Add To His MotoGP Title

JAKARTA – Yamaha rider, Andrea Doviziso, said Marc Marquez might not be able to return to his prime physical condition when he was at the peak of his career. However, that doesn't mean the Spaniard can't compete for the title.

Marc Marquez is back racing after recovering from the third episode of diplopia. He took to the free practice session on the first day at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Texas, United States, on Friday, April 8 local time.

"I have my opinion about Marc Marquez and I don't think he can return to his best physical condition like in the past. It will be difficult or even impossible, but that doesn't mean he can't win the title," said Dovizioso, quoted by Reuters.

Marquez, who is a six-time MotoGP champion, has not been able to compete for the title since 2020 due to an accident at the end of the season that year. He also lost the title last season due to double vision (diplopia).

Later this year, he had already missed two races due to a concussion following a severe crash in Mandalika. The accident ruled him out of the Argentine MotoGP before returning to the American Grand Prix.

Despite having just recovered, the Spanish international immediately made an impressive appearance at COTA. He successfully completed his first free practice (FP1) in fifth and got sixth in FP2 after being 0.499s adrift of Johann Zarco in pole position.

"His talent is crazy, not many people and riders realize it. He has a chance to win even if he is not 100 per cent fit," said Dovizioso.

The race in America will take place on Monday, April 11 in the morning WIB. This is the fourth race series after the first series in Qatar, the second series in Mandalika, and the third series in Argentina last weekend.

The COTA circuit is one of the favorite circuits for Marquez and Repsol Honda who are chasing their eighth victory. At that track Marquez has recorded seven wins from eight races since 2013, including last season when he was still haunted by injuries.