Substitute Marc Marquez At The Argentine GP, Stefan Bradl: I Will Do My Best For Honda HRC

Stefan Bradl (Instagram @stefanbradl6)

JAKARTA - Honda test rider Stefan Bradl was assigned to race at this weekend's Argentine Grand Prix to replace Marc Marquez, who is currently recovering from the crash at Mandalika.

Bradl is no stranger to the new Honda RC213V after completing a number of tests this year.

The German rider always scored points in nine consecutive MotoGP races last season with his best finish in fifth place in Argentina.

"The most important thing is to wish Marc the best and wish him a speedy recovery," said Bradl, quoted by Antara from the team's official website, Wednesday.

"In the meantime, I will do my best for Honda HRC and the Repsol Honda team to take its place.

"I've completed a few tests this year so I'm familiar with the new Honda RC213V but arriving at the MotoGP weekend is a different situation.

"I have fond memories of Argentina; I finished fifth there in 2014 and seventh when I last raced at Termas in 2016.

"We will work with the team and make plans for this weekend, I'm sure it will be a busy weekend."

After two years of absence from the calendar due to the pandemic, Argentina will again hold MotoGP at the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit.

The 4.8km long circuit has served as a thrilling race for the past few years with a number of final corners being a favorite place for overtaking riders.

Since the circuit's return to the MotoGP calendar in 2014, Honda have won four of the six races held in Argentina.

Meanwhile, Marquez will continue his recovery from the double vision he suffered after an accident during the warmup session of the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika.

The 29-year-old rider experienced double vision while traveling back to Spain from Indonesia. He suffered a similar episode at the end of last season following a concussion in a training accident.

Honda said Marquez visited his eye doctor in Barcelona on Monday for a second medical check-up with "important improvement" in his condition.

The rider won the title between 2013 and 2019 but has struggled with his health in recent years. He was sidelined for the 2020 season after breaking his arm and also missed four races in 2021.