Injured world champion Marc Marquez returned to the MotoGP paddock in Barcelona on Thursday, marking the first time he has been back at a track since being forced to abandon an early comebಌack from a broken right arm at Jerez in July.

The Repsol Honda sta𒉰r had to undergo a second round of surgery, to replace a broken plate, soon after and recent medical es𝓡timates suggested Marquez could need a further two-to-three months on the sidelines.

But this weekend's local Barcelona round at least provided the chance for Marquez to see his team and machine again, before returning hom🥀e to Cervera to continue his recov🐭ery.

“It has been great to come back to the MotoGP paddock and see my team and HRC again," Marquez said. "Of course, we have been speaking on the phone, but I have really missed them a lot and it was great to see them, but alඣso my bike again!

"There was a part of me which certainly wanted to ride again, espe🌞cially after sitting on the bike but now is the time to be patient.

"It was good to come here to speak not only with the team but also with Honda as we start to make a plan for 2021. I wish I was riding here at myꦆ home race with weekend, but I will enjoy watching it on TV instead.”

Wi👍th L♓CR's Cal Crutchlow also battling injuries this season, Honda is yet to claim a podium finish so far in 2020.