The hurdles Marquez faces next in his Portugal MotoGP return

Even by Marc Marquez’s own high standards, his MotoGP comeback on Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix will be considered a success even if he didn’t top the times. But having shown competitive pace on his first day back, both Marquez and his rivals know plenty more challenges are to come

Updated Apr 17, 2021, 8:55 AM

Quite a lot has happened in the 265 days since Marc Marquez’s aborted comeback at the Andalusian Grand Prix last July following his first surgery on the arm he broke in the Spanish GP. Yet when the six-time MotoGP world champion took to the Algarve International Circuit on Friday for the first time in nine months, it was almost as if he’d never been away.

Conditions were slightly iffy for FP1, overnight rain leaving the Portimao track damp in places – ideal conditions for a recovering rider to be sent back to hospital. But that didn’t stop Marquez getting on with the reacquaintance of his Honda and ended the morning third.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.