Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez was back on track at Portimao on Sunday, testing his recovery aboard the Honda RC213V-S.

Just days on from his first taste of being back on two wheels after trialing a motocross machine on Thursday, Marquez was in action in Portugal as he navigated the Algarve International Circuit on the heavy-duty production Honda.

Completing 65 laps of the 4.6kms circuit, the eight-time champion assessed development in his diplopia recovery, with the team and the Spaniard pleased with his progress ahead of the official pre-season tests at Sepang and Mandalika next month.  

“I am feeling very happy, first to be back on a bike at the track and also because we were able to confirm the sensations I had on a motocross bike here with the road bike,” Marquez said.

“It’s a great feeling, a feeling of relief because when I was riding, I didn’t have any discomfort with my vision. Since I haven’t ridden in so long, I did notice some physical areas where I’m missing a little bit but this is just because I have not been able to have my usual pre-season.

“There’s a margin to improve but the positive and the fundamental take away from this test was to reconfirm the feeling we had when we first got on the motocross bike and to enjoy the good feeling of speed.

"I have completed an intense day of riding with long runs, I am very happy with the results. We have two weeks until testing begins in Sepang so I will take the opportunity to intensify my physical preparation and train on the bike.”