MotoGP: Hand Fracture Means Surgery For Marc Marquez

Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez's torrid season has taken yet another twist after the Spaniard suffered a left hand fracture in a mountain bike accident.

The injury required surgery, with Marquez operated on this (Wednesday) morning at the Universitario Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona.

If his recovery goes as expected, the Repsol Honda star should be able to ride in the Japanese Grand Prix in ten days' time.

After the surgery, Dr. Xavier Mir stated: “We have operated on Marc Marquez to treat a torsion fracture of the fifth metacarpal of his left hand. The surgery consisted of a reduction and internal fixation of the bone, through screws for compression and a neutralising titanium plate with six holes.

"After the insertion, the soft tissue has been closed up and we have placed a protective bandage around the finger, supporting it with the adjacent finger. Marc will remain in hospital for 24 hours, and in 48 hours will begin functional rehabilitation.”

Motegi is the first of three races in three weeks and the injury not only reduces Marquez's chances in the 'flyaways', but could in turn influence the title fight between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

The #93 has been the only rider capable of consistently challenging the Yamaha riders, who know that if they can win a race with Marquez in second (as has happened three times this season) they gain at least nine points in the championship chase.

Nevertheless, if Marquez's team-mate Dani Pedrosa continues his Aragon form, he is also more than capable of making life complicated for the title contenders in the remaining four rounds.

Marquez, who crashed out of a race for the fifth time this season during Sunday's round, underwent surgery on the same hand after fracturing his little finger in a dirt track accident in April.

On that occasion, a titanium plate was inserted into his finger.

Despite winning four races this season, the same number as world championship leader Rossi, Marquez's multiple DNFs mean he is only third in the standings and already resigned to his first title defeat since joining the premier-class in 2013. -MotoGPNews