MotoGP Sachsenring: Marc Marquez withdraws from the German Grand Prix

Marc Marquez has withdrawn from the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring after suffering yet another crash during this morning’s warm up session.

The Repsol Honda rider had a highside going through turn six and was left with a fractured finger on his left hand. It was the fifth crash of the weekend for Marquez, who has been left battered and bruised after a frustrating weekend.

Marquez’s first crash came during FP2 when he tucked the front heading down into turn one. His bike then collected Johann Zarco, destroying the Ducati Desmocedici in the process, who was exiting pit-lane. Controversy followed when Marquez opted not to go check on Zarco afterwards, whilst both riders expressed their frustration towards each other afterwards to the media.

Marquez then crashed three times within 25 minutes on Saturday morning. He first fell during the damp Q1 session, before highside out of the final corner after almost running into the back of Jack Miller during Q2. Marquez was seen limping heavily after this fall.

He somehow managed to get back to the HRC garage, much to the surprise of his crew, who didn’t expect Marquez to be heading out again. They had to use the wings from Joan Mir’s bike in order to get Marquez back out onto the circuit.

Things didn’t get much better as Marquez crashed again at turn one as he started his final flying lap. Still, thanks to some yellow flags, Marquez managed to qualify seventh.

Marquez started the sprint race positively, moving up into fifth in the early laps, but would eventually fall down the order and crossed the line in 11^th spot. It brought an end to a stunning run of form in Germany which had seen Marquez win the last 11 races he’d competed in at the Sachsenring.

After his crash during warm up session, Marquez stood track side for the remainder of the session, looking frustrated and dejected at the current situation he finds himself in. Marquez went straight into the back of the Honda truck before heading to the medical centre.

Rumours will now ramp up even more regarding his future with HRC. Marquez has one year left on his contract, but given Honda’s current woes, there’s a chance that Marquez may try to exit his contract early.

Marquez has already missed three rounds this season after injuring himself and Miguel Oliveira in an accident at Portimao. Since his return, Marquez has crashed out of the Grand Prix races at Le Mans and Mugello.

Meanwhile, teammate Mir is missing this weekend after fracturing his hand at Mugello. Both he and Marquez have crashed 12 times this season. LCR Honda’s Alex Rins is still in hospital after breaking his leg at Mugello, and is still awaiting his second operation due to the amount of swelling still present on his leg.

Takaaki Nakagami suffered a huge crash at the top of the waterfall on Saturday afternoon, and is now also battered and bruised. The Japanese rider will be the sole Honda rider on track this afternoon.