After winning six world championships with Marc Marquez, 2020 was a complete defeat for Honda with only two podiums recorded, thanks to Alex Marquez.

With the 2021 season opener inching closer, the Japanese outfit is still accessing Marquez’s condition.

“We are currently monitoring Marc’s condition to make sure he returns in great shape, and we are preparing a fast bike for him,” explained Honda Racing Corporation Manager, Tetsuiro Hikita.

The never-ending questions regarding Marc’s availability for the upcoming season opener suggest that the team is ‘looking’ for someone experienced enough to tame the RC213V alongside Pol Espargaro.

Although Andrea Dovizioso’s name came up, the Honda top brass is not confident the rider would be interested.

“If he (Marquez) doesn’t make it back in time, we’ll have Stefan (Bradl) with us, like last year.

“There are rumours that Andrea (Dovizioso) could be joining us, but I don’t think a rider of his caliber would be interested,” Hikita concluded.