Marc sat out the Argentina MotoGP as he recovered from a hand operation, aꦅn injury sustained when he crashed𝄹 into Miguel Oliveira a week earlier in Portimao.

It means that Repsol Honda rider Marc has co🃏mpleted just two grand prix laps in 2023 so far, a major early setback in his quest to reclaim the championship.

• Alex Marquez: ‘Ciao’ to Bezzec꧂chi, pod🍸ium ‘long way’ from 2020

He watched from the sidelines as his brother, who swapped Honda for Gresini Ducati, earned a podium finish in Argentina, posting a picture of their video call to social med🉐i🧸a.

See you both soon

— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP)

W𝓡hat must Marc b🧸e thinking to see his brother reinvigorated by the Ducati bike?

Alex was many experts’ rider to watch in 2023, under the thoug𒀰ht process that his potential had been stunted by the limitations of☂ last season’s LCR Honda bike.

That faith is already being repaid, but Alex is strengthening the already-dominant Ducati rather than h🍌elping to bring Honda back to t꧒he fore.

Marc is hoping to return to action ൲at the Grand Prix of the Amer꧂icas, beginning April 16.

Honda coyly posted pictures of Marc and teammate Joan Mir’s bikes to social media🌳 with the caption “see you both soon”.

Mir also missed out o♐n racing in Argentina due to concussion, a nightmare occasion for Repsol Honda.

On Tuesday Repsol Honda posted a teaser “꧑a week to rest, recover and refocus” suggesting that both of their riders will return to COTA.

It’s been a terrible start for Marc Marquez, exacerbated by his brother’s joy perhaps. But there’s a long way to♏ go…