Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
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Analysis

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

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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