MotoGP: Stefan Bradl will replace Marc Marquez at COTA

Stefan Bradl will replace the injured Marc Marquez at the Circuit of the Americas.

Due to an injury sustained at the opening round in Portimao, Marc Marquez will miss the Americas Grand Prix. This will allow Honda’s official test rider, Stefan Bradl to step in for the eight-time World Champion.

Marquez will miss the third round of the championship after his first metacarpal is still in the healing process. He will miss the Grand Prix as a precaution by his team to avoid any unnecessary risks.

In a statement, Repsol Honda said: “Following a final CAT scan, Marc Márquez and his medical team, led by Dr. Ignacio Roger de Oña, at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, have confirmed the first metacarpal is still in the healing process.

“After close collaboration with the Repsol Honda Team and HRC, all involved have elected to let the injury fully heal and avoid any unnecessary risks.”

The injury originally occurred on lap three of the Portuguese Grand Prix when Marc Marquez locked his front tyre at turn three. He hit the side of both Jorge Martin and Miguel Oliveira, ending his race. 

All three riders were injured in the collision, with Marquez requiring surgery on his first metacarpal in his right hand. Miguel Oliveira suffered from a contusion on his right upper leg, and Martin suffered from a broken toe.

Bradl’s best result at COTA came in 2014, with a fourth-place finish, racing for the LCR Honda team. He arrives in Austin after carrying out a test on Monday and Tuesday at Jerez, with the aim of improving the performance of the Honda bike.

Bradl said: “First of all I want to wish Marc all the best in his recovery, as Honda we need him back on track. I arrive in Austin after a few days of testing in Jerez where we were able to try a few things with the bike.

“It will be interesting to ride COTA again, I was last there racing in 2016 and will give me a chance to try the 2023 RC213V on a very different kind of track compared to what I have ridden so far this year. Let’s have a productive weekend and see what’s possible.”

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