Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez has admitted his shoulder is still 'problematic' after a run out on an NSF100.

Marquez underwent surgery on the shoulder in early December and has undertaken hours of work with his physiotherapist Carlos J. García and highly targeted training in the gym became Marquez’s new winter routine.

With some trepidation, Marquez rolled on to a track in Alcarràs, near his home in Cervera, to see if the shoulder was ready for the demands of a bike.

“I needed this. I touched my elbow on the ground! Riders in general need to have their minds clear. At least on the trip to Malaysia, which is 14 hours long, I will be thinking I have ridden a bike, got on the brakes, felt the throttle and the clutch," said Marquez.

"We have done a few laps that have helped me to see where things are. This week we have to work on it. It was pretty much what I expected, the large force under braking – especially left-handers, where I have to support my left shoulder was problematic.

"That is where we have to continue working, have patience in Malaysia and get to March at full fitness.”