BRNO, Czech Republic – Stefan Bradl has been tabbed to ride in place of reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez this weekend at the Brno Circuit during the Czech Grand Prix.
Marquez underwent a second surgery on Monday as he continues to recover from a broken right humerus that he suffered in the opening round of the MotoGP season on July 19 at Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto.
Bradl, the HRC test rider, will mount the Honda RC213V while Marquez continues his recovery. In 2019, the 2011 Moto2 champion competed in four MotoGP races with a best finish of 10th at the German Grand Prix. Bradl has claimed three top-10 finishes at Brno during his seven starts in the MotoGP class and only once missed out on points.
Marquez attempted to return to competition four days after his first surgery on his right humerus, but retired from the weekend after completing an installation lap in qualifying for the second round of the season, which also took place at Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto.
“First of all I want to wish Marc a speedy recovery, what he did in Jerez was incredible and he showed that he has the true spirit of a champion,” Bradl said. “I am looking forward to riding the Honda RC213V again, due to the global pandemic we have not been able to test as we would normally so it will take some time to adjust to the bike and MotoGP again but I have ridden the superbike a few times so I know my fitness is good. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to, competing with the Repsol Honda Team is always a great honor and I am pleased to help Honda. Let’s see how the weekend goes.”
Bradl will be teamed with Alex Marquez, Marc Marquez’s younger brother, this weekend in the Czech Republic.